Strengthening Health System Governance for the Management of Disaster Risk and Public Health Emergencies at All Levels of Government

Background

A glimpse of the Skills Lab Equipment at COVID-19 Unified Central Hospital, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province_2

Nepal is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) established Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) as a focal point to coordinate with federal, provincial, and local level for health sector response to disaster and public health emergencies. HEOC actively coordinates with Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare and respond to public health emergencies at all levels.

Lessons learned from the pandemic, 2015 earthquake and previous projects funded by European Commission, WHO has contributed to Nepal in updating preparedness, readiness, and response activities by focusing on health emergency governance at the highest levels and planning for adaptable health-care systems with effective care pathways. The government recognizes that improving health security at subnational level will improve health security at the national level and for the whole of Nepal. Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces are the most vulnerable and susceptible to natural disasters, that needs timely and immediate support for strengthening health system.

Project Summary

This project aims to improve the governance of the health system and enhance the preparedness capacities of the health-care system by fostering better coordination between Health Emergency Operation Centers (HEOC) and Emergency Operation Centers (EOC), as well as hub and satellite hospitals at the federal, provincial, and local levels with aim to enable an effective response to disasters and public health emergencies.

The project places a special emphasis on prioritizing key aspects of health services such as ensuring continuous and efficient care of individuals from on-site locations to definitive treatment centers, through enhancing the capacities of human resources at the hospital and community level.

The project addresses the mental health issues that arise from disasters and public health emergencies through enhancing the capacities of health-care facilities and build the awareness of community people. Finally, the action endeavors to improve timely detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks by enhancing community-based surveillance in selected municipalities.

Project Outcomes

Strengthened health system governance and hub and satellite hospitals network preparedness capacities at federal, provincial and local levels to respond to disaster and public health emergencies

Strengthened life-saving health service provision during disaster and public health emergencies at community level

Gender Equity and Social Inclusion

The interventions will ensure there is adequate participation of all age group and women in trainings, meetings and in the committees.

Project Details