On the occasion of the eighth United Nations Global Road Safety Week, WHO Country Office for Nepal organized an interactive programme with members of the Health Journalists Forum-Nepal and the Nepal Road Safety Council to discuss how responsible media engagement, improved public awareness and evidence-based interventions can promote a culture of road safety.
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Representatives from Health Journalists Forum-Nepal and Nepal Road Safety Council participate in an interactive programme organized in Bagmati Province to mark the eighth UN Global Road Safety Week. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G. Amatya
The week, observed from 12-18 May 2025, serves as a call to action for governments, civil society, international agencies and the private sector to implement targeted interventions that make roads safer.
The programme, attended by over 30 journalists representing a diverse range of media outlets, alongside officials from the Nepal Road Safety Council and WHO Nepal, fostered a rich exchange of ideas and highlighted the urgent need to improve road safety in Nepal through multi-sectoral collaboration. Discussions emphasized the vital role of accurate media coverage in shaping public perception and policy.
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Dr Gampo Dorji, Public Health Advisor at WHO Nepal, presenting at the event. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G. Amatya
Dr Gampo Dorji, Public Health Advisor at WHO Nepal, provided an overview of the national road safety issue and emphasized the importance of adopting a safe systems approach.
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Dr Dorji also conducted a practical demonstration on the correct use of helmets, highlighting the key features of a high-quality, safe helmet. He explained how proper helmet use can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in road traffic incidents and emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding helmet standards and fit.
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Dr Kedar Marahatta, National Professional Officer for Mental Health at WHO Nepal, facilitated case-based discussions and led a session on responsible media reporting related to road safety.
The discussions underscored the vital role journalists play in raising public awareness, shaping policy, and promoting safer behaviours on the roads. During the session, participants critically reviewed current media coverage of road safety, examining both effective and problematic examples. They identified common shortcomings such as sensationalist headlines and the absence of evidence-based information.
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Participants actively engaged during the interactive session. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G. Amatya
Participants also explored strategies to enhance the accuracy, tone and overall impact of road safety reporting, with a shared commitment to producing more responsible, informative content that can influence public perception and drive meaningful policy change.
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Group photo of representatives from the Health Journalists Forum-Nepal, Nepal Road Safety Council and WHO Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G. Amatya
During his closing remarks, Mr Bhisha Kafle, President, Health Journalists Forum Nepal said: "Journalists have a unique responsibility to inform, influence and inspire. By promoting accurate and responsible reporting on road safety, we can help shape public understanding and drive policies that save lives."
Advisor for Nepal Road Safety Council Mr Saroj K. Pradhan said: "Improving road safety in Nepal requires collective action. Through multi-sectoral collaboration and sustained public awareness, we can create safer roads and protect the lives of all road users."
Dr Gampo Dorji, Public Health Advisor, WHO Nepal said: "By adopting a safe systems approach and promoting the correct use of protective gear like helmets, we can prevent countless injuries and save lives. Journalists have a powerful role to play in this effort. Through accurate, evidence-based reporting, they can raise awareness, shape public opinion, and help drive the policy changes needed to make our roads safer for everyone."
Participants committed to raising awareness and advocating for safer, more inclusive road environments.