Proceeding Report of Third National Summit of Health and Population Scientists

Abstract

Executive Summary The third national summit of health and population scientists on the theme ‘Health in SDGs in Nepal: Are we on track?’ was a platform for researchers and policy makers to come together and discuss about the research evidence and their potential implication in health policy making in Nepal. The theme of the summit aimed to invoke rigorous discussion on health related SDGs, targets, potential sources of the data and evidence gap. There were 47 oral presentations and 129 poster presentations in the summit covering diverse issues ranging from non-communicable diseases, nutrition, health systems, mental health, biomedical research, sexual and reproductive health, environmental and occupational health. These issues are closely related to attainment of comprehensive and ambitious SDGs. The overwhelming presence of more than 1000 participants is the reflection of the fact that the summit is a common platform of health professionals to come through latest development in the field of health research. There is global consensus on the need of evidence informed policy making. In this context, summit provided platform for researchers to communicate their research find ings. This proceeding report aims to compile key issues discussed during the summit including the future strategic directions. The report is expected to be a resource for wider community including those in research, policy, academia and all concerned stakeholders. Continuation of summit in coming years could contribute further on evidence informed decision making in Nepal.