Nepal Environmental Health Action Plan 2011

Abstract

Background: Environmental health is a multi sector activity which covers numbers of environmental related sector linking with public health. In the context of Nepal, Environmental Health problems covers Water, Waste water, Sanitation, Solid waste, Health care Waste, Indoor/Outdoor Air, Food safety, Road Safety, Chemical safety and Healthy setting and Climate Change. In order to develop the synergy among the partners working in the field of environment and health to promote environmental health in Nepal, it is aimed to develop Nepal Environmental Health Action Plan (NEHAP). Nepal Environmental Health Action Plan is a broader conceptual action plan which provides mandate as well as guidance to all of the environmental health related sectors. Environmental health is a multi sector activity which covers numbers of environmental related sector linking with public health. Methods: In order to achieve the objectives and obtain the major outcomes of the study, both the primary and secondary data were collected from relevant sources. Most of the data collected were mainly from the secondary sources by visiting concerned organizations/ministries and browsing information from the websites of all concerned organizations. The primary data were collected from the key informant using the method of interview. In order to make the work easier, national experts who have occupied key position in the thematic area were selected and requested to prepare the thematic papers. These thematic papers were finally synthesized to produce draft Nepal Environmental Health Action Plan (NEHAP). Then consultative meeting with stakeholders and experts at Nepal Health Research Council was organized to prepare the final Nepal Environmental Health Action Plan. Proposed Action Plan The proposed Environmental Health Action Plan for Nepal is bases on identified gaps and required conditions/standards. Keywords: action plan; environmental health; Nepal.