Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) South Asia convened the 3rd edition of its Health and Humanity Summit in Kathmandu under the theme “Beyond the Aid Crisis: Shared Responsibilities in a Fractured International Order.” The two-day event attracted over 180 participants, including public health specialists, humanitarian practitioners, civil society actors, and legal experts, to address growing concerns over the erosion of humanitarian principles and global health protections.

Discussions at the summit focused on three key areas: the crisis of humanitarian legitimacy, governance of sexual and reproductive health in conflict and crisis settings, and the role of local resilience and South-to-South solidarity.

Panelists highlighted challenges such as political interference in healthcare delivery, weakening trust in aid organisations, and the need for equitable partnerships that empower local communities.

Farhat Mantoo, executive director of MSF South Asia, opened the summit by emphasising the importance of principled healthcare delivery, while Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, founding president of INHURED International, called for renewed global solidarity to support vulnerable populations.

The summit also featured an exhibition and participatory activities to illustrate community-led initiatives and the fragility of humanitarian systems. Organisers said the event aimed to foster dialogue, accountability, and practical solutions for delivering healthcare in crisis-affected regions.