Kathmandu: Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, delivered a compelling address at the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development held at UN Headquarters in New York. Highlighting Nepal’s strides in healthcare, Minister Paudel called on the international community to bolster support for strengthening the country’s health system and ensuring universal access to quality services.

In his speech, Paudel outlined Nepal’s significant progress over the past three decades in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. He noted advancements in the use of skilled birth attendants, increased access.

The minister also drew attention to the growing impact of climate change on Nepal’s health sector. “As climate change and natural disasters intensify, it is more critical than ever to enhance the resilience of our health systems to respond to emergencies,” he said. However, Paudel pointed out that declining development aid poses a significant hurdle for countries like Nepal in tackling these challenges. “We strongly advocate for increased development assistance to address these issues,” he urged, emphasizing that such support is vital for achieving universal healthcare access.

Paudel further stressed the need for greater private sector investment in healthcare to complement public efforts and bridge existing gaps.

During his five-day participation in the session, Minister Paudel is leading Nepal’s delegation and engaging in bilateral discussions. According to Lok Bahadur Thapa, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, the minister will also interact with the Nepali diaspora in the city to gather suggestions for healthcare reforms.

As Nepal continues its efforts to build a robust and inclusive health system, Paudel’s address reinforces the country’s call for global partnerships to achieve sustainable development and equitable healthcare for all.