Nepal launches Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness for Early Detection (SPEED) project

Nepal has launched the Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness for Early Detection (SPEED) project in Nepal in an event organized in the premises of the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Kathmandu.

The three-year project aims to strengthen the country’s surveillance, laboratory system and human resources for a strong, resilient and sustainable health security system and architecture, with robust tools to face pandemics in the future and reduce its health, social and economic impact.

The Pandemic Fund’s US$ 19 million grant, along with an additional US$ 4 million in co-financing and US$ 2 million in co-investment, will support a partnership between the Government of Nepal and three Implementing Entities (IEs) – FAO, UNICEF and WHO – to strengthen the country’s pandemic prevention, preparedness and response efforts.

The SPEED project was launched in the presence of Dr Roshan Pokhrel, Honorable Secretary of the MoHP; Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra, Honorable Director-General of the Department of Health Services, MoHP; Dr Samjhana Kumari Kafle, Honorable Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; Kamal Raj Shrestha, Honorable Director General of the Ministry of Water Supply; Dr Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund; Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal; Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal; Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal; and partners.

Nepal was successful in securing the grant amongst 179 applications from 133 countries during the Pandemic Fund’s first call for proposals.

With this support, Nepal will be able to make significant measurable progress in the coming years to achieve health security through multisectoral collaboration, including the One Health approach. This involves coordinated action among various ministries such as human, animal, food and environment facilitated by the Government of Nepal. Furthermore, the project design considers ongoing related activities supported by other partner investments, so that project activities are complementary.

A technical and high-level coordination committee, established under the GoN, will guide the implementation of SPEED and its core components. All three IEs are supporting elements of all three components.

The activity under the Pandemic Fund SPEED project of Nepal is based on the International Health Regulations (IHR) – Joint External Evaluation recommendations (2022) and the Performance of Veterinary Services gap analysis and report (2011, 2008).

With more timely detection, notification and response in Nepal, the health, social and economic impact of potential outbreaks/epidemics will be reduced, especially for the most marginalized and vulnerable groups.

“As we navigate the transitional phase of decentralization and consider the implications of the One Health policy, strengthening effective pandemic preparedness is paramount so we can reach the unreached population. It is now imperative that we follow through on our commitments,” said Dr Roshan Pokhrel, Honorable Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population.

“Approximately 60% of our projects are designed to provide benefits that transcend national borders, highlighting our focus on creating a safer, more resilient, global community. I’m confident that the SPEED project will not only advance Nepal’s health security, but also serve as a model for regional cooperation and preparedness,” said Dr Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund.

“This grant has arrived at an opportune moment for Nepal with its evidence-based interventions, which are tailored to Nepal’s specific needs. This is a transformative journey to strengthen Nepal’s health security and equip the country with robust tools to face future pandemics and a testament to the Government of Nepal’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens and leave no one behind,” said Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal.