Climate change and health: analysis of national policies and implementation challenges in Nepal
Abstract
Abstract Background Climate change is a growing global public health threat with significant consequences for health systems, particularly in climate-vulnerable countries such as Nepal. Nepal has developed policies to address climate and health risks. The understanding and preparedness of subnational stakeholders is crucial in building a climate-resilient health system. However, limited evidence exists on the understanding and capacity of local health systems and how national commitments are operationalized within Nepal’s decentralized health system. Thus, this study aimed to explore the integration of climate and health in national policies and understand the capacity, priorities and operationalization of climate actions by local governments. Methods We conducted a policy review and qualitative data collection, including 35 key informant interviews with stakeholders from the health, environment, disaster, and other relevant sectors across federal, provincial, and local levels. The study sites included Kapilvastu municipality, Kapilvastu District (semi-urban); Patarasi rural municipality, Jumla District (rural) and Budhanilkantha municipality, Kathmandu District(urban). We analyzed the data thematically. Results Nepal has developed multiple policies to strengthen climate resilience and adaptation. At local levels, however, awareness of federal commitments was limited, and health systems faced challenges in identifying climate-related health issues and implementing adaptation…
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