UN and Dhulikhel Hospital collaborate to transform healthcare in Nepal and advance SDGs

Kathmandu / July 31: The United Nations in Nepal and Dhulikhel Hospital have entered into a strategic partnership to transform healthcare delivery in Nepal and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. According to a press statement, the collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent.

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, along with four UN agencies—UNFPA, UNICEF, IOM, and WHO—has joined forces with Dhulikhel Hospital under the UNSDCF and SDG Partnership program. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both the UN and Dhulikhel Hospital to address critical public health challenges and improve healthcare services across the country.

At the signing ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, Hanaa Singer Hamdy, highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships in achieving the SDGs. “Achieving the SDGs in Nepal requires strong partnerships with various sectors. We are hopeful that this collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital will yield excellent results in improving healthcare, addressing public health issues, and supporting vulnerable populations,” Hamdy said in a press statement.

The partnership will focus on several key areas, including post-COVID-19 recovery and resilience, primary healthcare delivery, and tackling public health challenges such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases. The UN will provide support on global health topics, engage in joint research projects, and conduct community outreach initiatives focused on health, nutrition, and social behavior change, particularly targeting vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s healthcare journey,” said Professor Dr Ram Kantha Makaju Shrestha, Executive Director of Dhulikhel Hospital. “By combining Dhulikhel Hospital’s expertise in the medical field and research with the UN’s global resources and network, we are poised to make a substantial impact on the health and well-being of the Nepalese people,” he said.

According to the United Nations in Nepal, the collaboration between the UN and Dhulikhel Hospital is part of the broader UN Reform initiative and is expected to significantly improve healthcare outcomes in Nepal. The partnership aims to serve as a model for other countries in the region, demonstrating the potential of integrated efforts in advancing public health and the SDGs.