Dec 18, Kathmandu - A one-day One Health Coordination Workshop with the objective of strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration for the prevention and control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Nepal has been successfully concluded in Kathmandu. The workshop was organized by Nepal One Health Institute in collaboration with the Family Welfare Division under the Department of Health Services and the Agriculture and Forestry University.

The workshop, held at Bougainvilla Events in Tripureshwor, was attended by representatives from the Family Welfare Division, Animal Services Department, Environment Department, Agriculture and Forestry University, Bagmati Province Health Emergency Operations Center, World Health Organization, development partner organizations, researchers, and academics.

The workshop emphasized the importance of a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness between human health, animal health, and the environment in the transmission of Japanese encephalitis. Participants discussed the growing need for coordinated surveillance systems, integrated disaster response, and evidence-based interventions, especially in JE-affected districts like Chitwan.

Technical presentations covered the global epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis, national JE programs, surveillance systems, vaccination strategies, and laboratory diagnostics. Research findings from Chitwan district were also shared, presenting emerging evidence that household items may be potential ‘amplifying hosts’ for JE infection. This highlights the need for stronger collaboration between the human and animal health sectors.