International health education conference kicks off in Lalitpur

April 12, Kathmandu: A two-day international conference titled “Advancing Health Education, Research, and Innovation” began on Saturday in Lalitpur. Jointly organized by the Central Department of Education at Tribhuvan University and the Nepal Health Education Association (HEAN), with funding from the University Grants Commission, the event brings together health experts from Nepal and beyond.

Dr. Bhimsen Devkota, president of HEAN, announced that over 30 research papers and posters from health professionals representing Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and other countries were being presented in the conference. He emphasized that the conference aimed to foster knowledge exchange to advance health education, research, and innovation.

The conference covers a wide range of topics, including health education curricula, theories, innovations, nutrition, non-communicable diseases, mental health, environmental health, elderly care, women’s and children’s health, adult health, sexual education, and research in health education.

Dhulikhel Municipality Mayor Ashok Byanju and health expert Dirgharaj Shrestha presented a paper on the role of Dhulikhel Municipality in promoting Nepal’s healthy city initiative on the first day. Similarly, Dr. Sara Baumann, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, shared insights on addressing mental and health challenges faced by women in western Nepal due to the prevalent Chhaupadi tradition.

The conference will also feature remarks from Professor Samrat Sinha of Jindal University, India, and Dr. Pushparaj Pant, a health expert from the United Kingdom.