National Workshop on Prevention, Early Detection, and Control of Dengue
By Admin
National Workshop on Climate Change, Dengue, and Vector-Borne Diseases
Date: 2nd May 2024 (Thursday)
Venue: Hotel Hyatt Place, Kathmandu, Nepal
A significant national-level workshop was held on May 2, 2024, at Hotel Hyatt Place, Kathmandu, bringing together leading national and international experts in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, and vector-borne disease control. The event, organized by Green Tara Nepal (GTN), aimed to foster collaboration, share insights, and explore research and policy strategies to address the growing threat of dengue and other vector-borne diseases in the context of climate change.
Key Highlights from the Workshop
Welcome Remarks:
Prof. Priyamvada Paudyal, Professor of Public Health and Director at the Institute for Global Health and Wellbeing, Keele University, UK, officially welcomed the participants and set the tone for the workshop, emphasizing the importance of cross-border knowledge exchange and integrated approaches to public health challenges.
Technical Presentations:
Dr. Gokarna Dahal – Senior Health Administrator, shared a national overview on the Dengue situation and outbreak response mechanism in Nepal, focusing on challenges in vector control and inter-sectoral collaboration.
Dr. Reshma Tuladhar – Associate Professor, Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, presented on Dengue in relation to Climate Change in Nepal, exploring the direct effects of rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns on vector behavior.
Dr. Danai Papakonstantinou – Senior Lecturer & Consultant in Infectious Disease, Keele University, discussed Dengue in the UK: Disease Associated with Travel, highlighting case studies and surveillance strategies for imported infections.
Dr. Megha Raj Banjara – Tribhuvan University, delivered a session on Enhancing Understanding of Dengue in Nepal, emphasizing the need for community-based data and awareness strategies.
Dr. Gokarna Dahal – Senior Health Administrator, shared a national overview on the Dengue situation and outbreak response mechanism in Nepal, focusing on challenges in vector control and inter-sectoral collaboration.
Dr. Reshma Tuladhar – Associate Professor, Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, presented on Dengue in relation to Climate Change in Nepal, exploring the direct effects of rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns on vector behavior.
Dr. Danai Papakonstantinou – Senior Lecturer & Consultant in Infectious Disease, Keele University, discussed Dengue in the UK: Disease Associated with Travel, highlighting case studies and surveillance strategies for imported infections.
Dr. Megha Raj Banjara – Tribhuvan University, delivered a session on Enhancing Understanding of Dengue in Nepal, emphasizing the need for community-based data and awareness strategies.
Panel Discussion and Tea Break:
A lively group discussion and Q&A session encouraged interaction and collaboration, followed by a short tea break to refresh and network further.
Second Round of Presentations:
Dr. Najmul Haider – Lecturer in Epidemiology, Keele University, UK, presented his research on Impacts of Climate Change on Dengue Virus Outbreaks – A Two-Decade Analysis in Bangladesh, showcasing trends in incidence, climate data, and public health responses.
Dr. Sameer Mani Dixit – Director, Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal (CMDN), shared insights into Seventeen years of research in Nepal and CMDN’s pivotal role in disease detection and surveillance.
Dr. Dipesh Tamrakar – Associate Professor, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University, presented findings from Research related to Dengue: Experience from Dhulikhel, offering valuable field data and hospital-level interventions.
Dr. Megh Nath Dhimal – Chief Research Officer, Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), explored the Climate Change and Expansion of Dengue Fever in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region, stressing regional cooperation for prevention strategies.
Dr. Ajit Karna – Senior Scientist, CHDS, Kathmandu, presented on Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases Research and Contribution to the National Program of Nepal, outlining the evolution of research and policy linkages.
Mrs. Ganga Gharty Chhetri (G.C) – Lecturer at Trichandra Multiple Campus and Ph.D. scholar, delivered a talk on Dengue Vector Control in Nepal, describing education-driven and community-based prevention models.
Dr. Najmul Haider – Lecturer in Epidemiology, Keele University, UK, presented his research on Impacts of Climate Change on Dengue Virus Outbreaks – A Two-Decade Analysis in Bangladesh, showcasing trends in incidence, climate data, and public health responses.
Dr. Sameer Mani Dixit – Director, Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal (CMDN), shared insights into Seventeen years of research in Nepal and CMDN’s pivotal role in disease detection and surveillance.
Dr. Dipesh Tamrakar – Associate Professor, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University, presented findings from Research related to Dengue: Experience from Dhulikhel, offering valuable field data and hospital-level interventions.
Dr. Megh Nath Dhimal – Chief Research Officer, Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), explored the Climate Change and Expansion of Dengue Fever in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region, stressing regional cooperation for prevention strategies.
Dr. Ajit Karna – Senior Scientist, CHDS, Kathmandu, presented on Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases Research and Contribution to the National Program of Nepal, outlining the evolution of research and policy linkages.
Mrs. Ganga Gharty Chhetri (G.C) – Lecturer at Trichandra Multiple Campus and Ph.D. scholar, delivered a talk on Dengue Vector Control in Nepal, describing education-driven and community-based prevention models.
Final Discussions and Conclusion: A final open discussion focused on future directions, challenges, and collaborative solutions. Participants shared ideas for integrated disease surveillance, climate-adaptive health strategies, and youth engagement.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Ram Chandra Silwal, Country Director of Green Tara Nepal, who appreciated the active involvement of speakers, stakeholders, and participants.
Impact and Way Forward
This national workshop was a timely and impactful event, strengthening the dialogue around climate change, vector-borne diseases like dengue, and public health strategies in Nepal and South Asia. The shared expertise from both Nepali and international professionals will serve as a foundation for informed policymaking, enhanced research collaboration, and community-level health interventions.