Situation In Nepal Research Articles

Covid-19 Pandemic and Vaccine

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, was first reported in Wuhan, in December 2019 and later spread globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.1 In Nepal, the first case was registered on 3rd January 2020. Since then, there have been 591,494 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 7,990 deaths.2
 In the second wave of Covid-19, South Asia seems to have turned into the epicentre as most of the countries in the region, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have been badly infected by the coronavirus. Instead of being controlled, the situation is getting more flared up as each day passes. Of late, the situation in Nepal is gradually becoming alarming as two out of five people tested return positive. Subsequently, Nepal started to face shortage of oxygen, ventilators, and ICU facilities required for the treatment of severe cases. Medicines like Remdesivir and other medical equipment are sold at exorbitant prices.

Pharmacological Treatment for the Management of COVID 19: A Narrative Review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections is alarming worldwide incurring tremendous loss of life and possession. Individuals are facing a terrible pandemic condition in the absence of appropriate medicines and vaccines to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aimed to provide details on potential treatment steps that can be taken in the current pandemic-fighting situation in Nepal. A massive review was performed including 60 articles from the relevant field. Preliminary results on the efficacy of some existing anti-viral agents were found, however, promising data on effective treatment regimen for COVID 19 are yet to be obtained. This review examines various drugs and their mechanism of actions which are currently used in clinical trials or may be used to treat COVID-19 in the near future.

Cyber Violence against Women and Girls in Nepal

Violence against women and girls in the virtual space is the emerging concern in the global context. With the growth in use of technologies and the internet, cyberspace has been an equally vulnerable area for violence targeted against women and girls as that of public space. With the rise in numbers of existing forms of violence, conceptual clarification on the dynamics of cyber based violence is a major need of time. Moreover, it has been an issue of immediate concern to assess the current situation of Nepal for the identification of policy and legal remedies. The present study attempts to identify the pattern and forms of cyber based violence against women and girls in Nepal through the study of registered cases in Cyber Crime Unit of Nepal Police and also, reflect on the nature of cases adjudicated by the Kathmandu District Court. In the absence of a clear legal framework and technical knowhow of cyber based crimes, law enforcement authorities have been constantly facing challenges to critically intervene the process and secure safe spaces for women and girls in use of technology. The study concludes that a coherent approach from all concerned stakeholders is required in defining a clear legal and policy framework to ensure use of information and technology as a tool of gender empowerment, thus addressing the crimes committed through cyberspace.

Is it time to turn back in time to treat novel COVID-19 Disease? -current situation in Nepal

Is it time to turn back in time to treat novel COVID-19 Disease? -current situation in Nepal

Food Security in Nepal: A Review

Nepal has improved food security situation in recent years, but still considered as a poor country in the world. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the food security situation in Nepal. Food insecurity in Nepal has been associated with susceptibility to natural disasters, such as drought, governance, earthquake, floods, and landslides, vulnerability to fluctuations in global prices, civil turmoil, disease and poor infrastructures. Pandemic COVID-19 is degrading the daily life of the people and driving to food insecurity in the country. Mostly western Nepal and Terai region seems to be more vulnerable to disasters and food insecurity. In Nepal, 4.6 million people are food-insecure, with 20 percent of household mildly food-insecure, 22 percent moderately food-insecure and 10 percent severely food-insecure. This problem needs to be solved by a clear and sound policies and strategy by putting natural resources conservation in consideration.

Scope and challenges of one health approach in Nepal

Background: The burden of infectious diseases is high in developing countries. Many infectious diseases are still a public health problem in Nepal. Different types of emerging and re-emerging infection are in endemic situation in Nepal. However, as a result of various interventions and public health program, the overall trend of infectious diseases is now in a declining trend. Nepal faces burden of zoonotic diseases of epidemic; endemic and pandemic potentials are major public health concern. 60 different zoonotic diseases have been identified in Nepal as emerging and re-emerging diseases. There is strong connection and effect of climate change, global warming. Nowadays, the interrelation of human, environment and animals is also concern about antimicrobial resistance. One Health approach is an important approach for effective prevent and control of zoonotic diseases in Nepal. Methods and materials: To prepare this paper, journal, articles & national reports were retrieved and analyzed to prepare a manuscript. Informal discussion as made with government officials who are working at Epidemiology and Disease Control Centre, Kathmandu. This paper was prepared by using various secondary data sources available on internet webpages, journals, government reports and articles. Results: Nepal has been experiencing various flu like seasonal infections every year. The six zoonoses Taeniosis, Leptospirosis, Hydatidosis, Brucellosis; Toxoplasmosis and Avian Influenza have been identified as Priorities Zoonotic Diseases in Nepal. Influenza is the more common outbreak observed in Nepal. It was estimated that almost half of Nepal's population is at high risk and a quarter at moderate risk of rabies. The cooperation and joint policy level decision was not yet done to formulate one health policy and conduct joint activities. One health approach is not yet institutionalized from government sector to deal with underlying condition. Conclusion: Lack of strong coordination between two agencies l.e human health and animal health agencies is one of the major problems in Nepal. Since, Nepal is facing frequent outbreak of seasonal infections borne from animals, at least joint effort from the veterinary and human medical & public health professional is required to prevent the possible threats from zoonotic diseases in Nepal.

Mediation Practices in Post-Conflict Situation in Nepal: The Way Forward

This paper aims to critically examine the increasing role of community mediation in the post-conflict situation in Nepal. The practice of community mediation at the professional level is in a preliminary stage in Nepal. Regardingthe peace settlement process and the state of community mediation in different countries, various efforts have been made in Nepal regarding community mediation. The country is gradually advancing towards community mediation practices in ensuring access to justice. Community mediation has been practiced for resolving disputes or conflict through the judicial committees (JCs) formed under the local government. The practices of conflicts or disputes resolution through community mediation have begun in Nepal at the individual or family level, school or community level, or at workplace. It is, therefore, vital to prevent the recurrence of conflicts or disputes through community mediation to ensure sustainable peace. Various efforts have been made to build the capacity of individuals and agencies to settle disputes and to ensure mutual trust and cooperation in Nepal. In the changing context, confronting COVID 19, building awareness, providing education and training to the mediators for community mediation is vital to execute JC practice in Nepal. Community mediation as an important aspect in ensuring sustainable peace in the spirit of the local government act is, therefore, very essential in Nepal.

Legal Provisions and Union Leader Expectations for Enforcement of Quality of Work-Life Initiatives in Nepal

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the emerging views and approaches to work-life quality (QWL), legal provisions, and expectations of the union leader for the enforcement of QWL initiatives in Nepal. It reviews and describes three major labor laws such as the Labor Act, 2017, Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2000, and Trade Union Act, 1992. To understand the expectations of union leaders, a questionnaire survey is administered by approaching 55 members of trade unions associated with All Nepal Federations of Trade Unions (ANTUF), General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT), and Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC). The variables of QWL are adapted from Walton (1975). The evidence shows three approaches to QWL such as the scientific management approach, the human relations approach, and orientation to work are in practice. The results also reveal that Nepalese union leaders primarily expect adequate and fair compensation, safe and healthy working conditions, and opportunity for continuous growth and security to maintain an effective QWL situation in Nepal. Effective implementation of the QWL-related legal provisions favors a better QWL situation in Nepal. The ignorance of QWL initiatives would undoubtedly have negative consequences for Nepalese companies. The provisions in the labor laws are seemed to be enough if they are honestly implemented. Hence, effective implementation of the QWL-related legal provisions, thus, favors a better QWL situation in Nepal. Keywords : Acts, Enforcement, Government, Legal provisions, Quality of work-life, Union leader DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/102-01 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

COVID-19: the current situation in Nepal.

The recent global pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly alarming. As of 21 June 2020, there are more than 8.7 million cases worldwide, with 460 000 deaths. Nepal is not an exception to COVID-19 and is currently facing a challenge to prevent the spread of infection. The analysis of the detected cases, severity and outcomes of the cases within a country is important to have a clear picture of where the pandemic is heading and what measures should be taken to curb the infection before it becomes uncontrollable. We collected data regarding all the cases, recoveries and deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Nepal starting from the first case on 23 January to 21 June 2020. At present, COVID-19 has spread all over Nepal, with a rapid increase in the number of new cases and deaths, which is alarming in a low-income country with an inadequate healthcare system like Nepal. Although the government implemented early school closure and lockdown, the management to contain COVID-19 does not appear to be adequate. Understanding the current situation regarding COVID-19 in Nepal is important for providing a direction towards proper management of the disease.

Past pandemics and their parallel situation in Nepal

Pandemics have been occurring in the world since time immemorial. It is difficult in the case of the ancient pandemics but pandemics of later origin have conveyed some messages or the other. These are valuable lessons which should be accepted wholeheartedly for facing more competently in the following pandemics. This article deals with the pandemics that have hit the world since early times. It also portrays the situation that was prevailing in Nepal during the time of the pandemic. It has been found that Nepal did not have connectivity with the pandemics in the past. It is only in the Corona pandemic that Nepal has also been a part of the whole globe. Nepali people considered the diseases were thrown upon people by God because of the grave mistakes committed by them due to lust and greed. So, people worshipped God instead of making a scientific inquiry in this field. Even though, Ayurvedic medicines based on local herbs and the likes were produced and used in the case of the pandemics.

COVID-19 situation in Nepal

COVID-19 situation in Nepal

Nepal and COVID-19: A strange case and the Dilemma

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 started as an outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Despite strict measures put up by China, its silent but highly contagious nature led to widespread dissemination which made World Health Organization (WHO) declare it as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. With 152,523 people dying among 2,347,060 affected in 213 countries and territories due to the disease, nations are fighting to “flatten the curve of epidemic.
 The situation in Nepal has been rather strange. Due to its geographical proximity to China and porous borders, WHO quickly declared it a high-risk country for COVID-19, however, only few cases had been reported till date with no record of local transmission (except for one with direct contact) even after testing 8081 samples. It appears as if Nepal has been able to keep the pandemic in early phase for this long!

Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Situation in Nepal: A Review

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked country located in South Asia. Nepal has made its considerable efforts to improve the water supply and sanitation (WASH) situation in the country by formulating and enforcing a number of WASH policies, guidelines and acts for the last two decades. But WASH situation of Nepal has not been well documented so far. Aim of this article is to describe the situation of water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Nepal by analyzing secondary data and information obtained from published and unpublished literature. About 97 of the total population have access to basics anitation facilities and 87 percent access to basic water supply facility. Sanitation coverage is95 percent in six Provinces and below 90 percent in Province no. 2 of Nepal. The momentum of sanitation coverage was accelerated immediately after internalization and implementation of the Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan in 2011 and Nepal reaches at close to the elimination of open defecation. The gap between rich and poor in accessing to and using toilet facility has been narrowing down due to the nationwide sanitation campaigns. But there is disparity in accessing and using piped water between rich and poor. Only 25 percent of water supply systems are well functioning and 68 percent can supply water to water taps throughout year. One-fourth of the existing toilet facility across the country are poorly constructed that needs to be upgraded. The government should make consolidated and integrated efforts to reduce existing inequity in the WASH sector and enhance the sustainability of water supply and sanitation services.

Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Perception Regarding Rational Medicine Use and Self-medication

Rational use of medicines is important for safe and cost-effective pharmacotherapy. However, nearly half of the medicines available in the market may be used irrationally. The present study assessed the perceptions and knowledge about rational medicine use and responsible self-medication among participants before and after an educational intervention at KIST Medical College, Lalitpur. An educational module was conducted among healthcare professionals, media personnel and female community health volunteers. The questionnaire was administered before and immediately after the module. The areas addressed were rational medicine use, ethical prescribing, rational drug use situation in Nepal, pharmaceutical promotion, rational self-medication, safe use of antibiotics, and drug use problems in Nepal. Among healthcare professionals, the rational drug use situation in Nepal and the total score significantly increased post-intervention (p<0.05). Among media personnel the mean scores increased significantly in pharmaceutical promotion and drug use problems in Nepal areas but there was a significant decrease in safe use of antibiotics. The pre-intervention pharmaceutical promotion score was significantly higher among healthcare professionals compared to media personnel while the rational self-medication scores were highest among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics scores were highest among the media personnel. Post-intervention the mean pharmaceutical promotion scores was highest among healthcare professionals, rational self-medication scores among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics, drug use problems in Nepal and total scores were highest among the media personnel. There were differences in the mean pre-intervention scores among different subgroups. A single session may not be enough to bring about significant changes in knowledge and perception. The retention of knowledge could be measured in future studies.

Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Perception Regarding Rational Medicine Use and Self-medication

Background: Rational use of medicines is important for safe and cost-effective pharmacotherapy. However, nearly half of the medicines available in the market may be used irrationally. The present study assessed the perceptions and knowledge about rational medicine use and responsible self-medication among participants before and after an educational intervention at KIST Medical College, Lalitpur. Methods: An educational module was conducted among healthcare professionals, media personnel and female community health volunteers. The questionnaire was administered before and immediately after the module. The areas addressed were rational medicine use, ethical prescribing, rational drug use situation in Nepal, pharmaceutical promotion, rational self-medication, safe use of antibiotics, and drug use problems in Nepal. Results: Among healthcare professionals, the rational drug use situation in Nepal and the total score significantly increased post-intervention (p&lt;0.05). Among media personnel the mean scores increased significantly in pharmaceutical promotion and drug use problems in Nepal areas but there was a significant decrease in safe use of antibiotics. The pre-intervention pharmaceutical promotion score was significantly higher among healthcare professionals compared to media personnel while the rational self-medication scores were highest among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics scores were highest among the media personnel. Post-intervention the mean pharmaceutical promotion scores was highest among healthcare professionals, rational self-medication scores among female community health volunteers, safe use of antibiotics, drug use problems in Nepal and total scores were highest among the media personnel. Conclusions: There were differences in the mean pre-intervention scores among different subgroups. A single session may not be enough to bring about significant changes in knowledge and perception. The retention of knowledge could be measured in future studies. Keywords: Female community health volunteers; health care professionals; media; rational medicine use; self medication.

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Situation in Nepal

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v11i0.7436 Health Prospect 2012;11:53-54

Revisiting Money-Price Relationship in Nepal Following a New Methodological Framework

Information on the pattern of money-price relationship is crucial for formulating appropriate monetary policy and implementing it effectively. This paper re-examines the money-price relationship in Nepal following a new methodological framework for time series data analysis. Test results show that money supply significantly affects domestic price in Nepal. Indian inflation is the major factor that has largest impact on the price situation in Nepal. However, exchange rate is not found to be associated with the changes in price level in Nepal. Test results also show that money-price relationship in Nepal has become much stronger in the recent times in terms of the magnitude of impact.

Mental Health situation in Nepal and priorities for interventions

&lt;No abstract available&gt;

The Sino-Indian rivalry in South Asia in the XXI century on the examples of Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives

In the article the author focuses on the analysis of Sino-Indian rivalry in the three countries, seeking common points and differences in their situation. These are the inland Nepal, located between India and China; the islands of Sri Lanka, lying adjacent to the Indian subcontinent; and the Maldives, five hundred kilometer away from it. Author claims that in the 21st century there is an increase of intensity in relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India in the field of competitive impacts in the analyzed countries. However, due to the significantly lower potential of India in the economic sphere and less activity in the international arena, the policy of this country in South Asia is most often reactive to China's actions. In the 21st century a significant change in the political situation in Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives can be seen. India's former hegemony has been undermined by China, which has gained an advantage in all of these countries.

Use of information and communication technologies in the formal and informal health system responses to the 2015 Nepal earthquakes.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are increasingly recognized for their potential contributions to health service delivery in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). As well as playing a role in improving the provision of health services under everyday 'normal' circumstances, ICTs can also be important in preparing for, mitigating, responding to and recovering from disasters. This research explores the use of ICTs in a natural disaster situation in Nepal, a country affected by a series of strong earthquakes in 2015. In March and April 2016, in-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 24) and focus group discussions (n = 4) were conducted with key informants: those affected by the earthquake, and those forming part of the formal or informal health system responses. Data were collected and analysed across three levels, from the bottom 'upwards', namely: (1) village level; (2) district level and (3) central/national level. Perceptions of the role and value of ICTs varied greatly-as did patterns of use. While access and capability were found to be key barriers to use rurally, ICTs were nevertheless an important part of the informal response, helping people to gather information, express needs and cope emotionally. They also helped relief agencies in allowing for networking and coordination among actors. Use of ICTs in the formal health system response, however, was severely lacking in many areas, relying more on traditional methods of disaster management. This reflects a general deficiency in, and underuse of, ICTs in the pre-earthquake Nepali healthcare system. We conclude by calling for a redoubling of efforts to improve and increase the adoption, diffusion, integration and regular use of ICTs within the Nepali health system-an approach that will assist with day-to-day service delivery but also provide a crucial platform upon which to build during future crises.