Minister for Health and Population Upendra Yadav has called for a technical and financial support from developed countries to address the health concerns faced by least developed countries due to climate change.

Addressing a session of first WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Geneva on Friday, Yadav said combating the problem of air pollution and climate change requires joint effort and a mix of technological solutions, regulations and policies and encouraging behavioural changes.

Health Minister Yadav said though Nepal’s greenhouse gas emission makes only around 0.027 percent of global emission, the country has been disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change on public health.

He also appreciated the WHO for taking the initiative to host the conference to discuss the global concern about the threats posed by pollution and climate change on public health.

Yadav also held a meeting with WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the conference.

The importance of partnership between Nepal and WHO, particularly in promoting support and cooperation in the areas of health insurance, health financing as well as capacity enhancement of health laboratories were discussed at the meeting.

Adhanom acknowledged that the presence of Minister Yadav in the conference was the demonstration of commitment of the political leadership and priority given by Nepal on tackling climate change and its impacts on health.

Minister Yadav also had a meeting with Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) Anuradha Gupta and senior health professionals, and discussed about the support from GAVI to Nepal in accelerating access to new vaccines, digitisation of medical records as well as capacity development needs of health professionals.