The World Health Organization (WHO), Country Office for Nepal, handed over the national Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) and the Provincial Health Emergency Operation Centers (PHEOCs) in Province 1, 2, Bagmati, and Lumbini.
The Ministry of Health and Population, the Ministries of Social Development, the Health Directorates of the provinces, and WHO, Country Office for Nepal, have collaborated closely in the setup of this nationwide network of HEOCs.
The strengthening of communication and coordination for effective public health response is a compliance requirement of the International Health Regulations (2005), and the establishment of the HEOCs around Nepal is a key milestone in fulfilling this requirement.
In accordance with the IHR (2005), additional measures such as strengthening the legal frameworks, plans, and policies; establishing HEOCs and telemedicine centers at national and provincial levels; formation of Emergency Medical Deployment Teams (EMDTs); and the creation of a hub satellite hospitals’ network covering the country, have also complemented Nepal’s efforts in strengthening emergency preparedness and response.
A report, Health Emergency Operation Center Network of Nepal – The Voyage and the Vista, was also released which vividly highlighted the steps that were taken by the HEOC network of Nepal to strengthen the national health emergency risk management capacity for a resilient health system.
“As illustrated by the devastating earthquake of 2015, the floods and landslides of 2017, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal is vulnerable to emergencies that pose serious threat to health, lives, and livelihoods.”, stated Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal. “Hence, the HEOCs will help mitigate the adverse impacts of natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other acute public health risks through robust preparedness, readiness, and response.”
The WHO is committed to continuing to support the efforts of Nepal to strengthen the ability to detect, assess, and respond to public health events to meet its commitments under the IHR and to reduce disaster risks while moving towards the relevant global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
WHO’s COVID-19 response in Nepal is made possible through the generous support of the Government of Azerbaijan; Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office-UK (DFID); Government of Germany; and USAID.