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KATHMANDU, June 21: A new policy brief launched by Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (GARP) underscores the vital role of vaccines in combating the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nepal. Titled "The Value of Vaccines to Mitigate Antimicrobial Resistance", the document was released by the GARP Nepal in collaboration with the Nepal Public Health Foundation (NPHF) and The One Health Trust.
Senior officials from the health and regulatory sectors—including representatives from the Department of Drug Administration, Family Welfare Division, National Public Health Laboratory, Bir Hospital, and the National Vaccine Production Laboratory—joined hands to unveil the policy document.
The brief presents compelling evidence that vaccines are not only essential for preventing infectious diseases but are also a strategic tool in reducing the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, a primary driver of AMR. In 2021, an estimated 19,579 deaths in Nepal were linked to AMR, exceeding mortality from several major diseases.
“AMR has no cure—only prevention. And vaccines are among the most effective preventive tools available,” said Dr. Sharad Onta, Founding General Secretary of NPHF, in his welcome remarks. “This brief is therefore both timely and essential.”
Antimicrobial resistance amid Covid-19
Chair of GARP-Nepal Dr. Paras Kumar Pokharel added that effective vaccination programs can establish herd immunity, reducing the overall need for antibiotics and slowing resistance. “Maximize vaccine coverage, and we minimize the use of antimicrobials,” he emphasized.
Dr. Sameer Mani Dixit presented an overview of the brief, calling for urgent implementation of its recommendations. These include strengthening national immunization strategies, integrating livestock health in AMR responses, and improving surveillance and public awareness.
The event brought together diverse stakeholders—from the Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Livestock Services, and academic institutions to partners such as WHO and FHI360—reflecting the need for a unified One Health approach.
Highlighting the public health urgency, Rishiraj Bhagawati from The One Health Trust noted that AMR-related deaths in Nepal now surpass those from conditions such as diabetes, tuberculosis, and maternal complications. “Vaccines are a practical and scalable solution already within our reach,” he said.
Speakers also emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Dr. Binayak Kumar Karna of the National Vaccine Production Laboratory called attention to the role of animal vaccines and farm hygiene. “We already produce 15 different animal vaccines—now is the time to scale their use strategically,” he said.
Dr. Ranjan Raj Bhatta from the National Public Health Laboratory stressed the importance of expanding surveillance systems and incorporating private healthcare data to understand the full extent of resistance.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bibek Kumar Lal of the Family Welfare Division described AMR as a “silent pandemic” and urged wider dissemination of the brief to policymakers and practitioners. Director General Narayan Dhakal echoed the sentiment, stressing that vaccines must be promoted alongside WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and infection prevention measures.
In closing, Dr. Rajendra BC of NPHF called for sustained political will to promote vaccines as a cost-effective, sustainable response to AMR.
The policy brief’s release marks a significant step toward integrating vaccination more fully into Nepal’s national AMR strategy—an urgent move as the country grapples with rising resistance and limited treatment options.
