KATHMANDU, July 19: The KOICA Nepal Office conducted a pre-departure orientation for 15 government officials from the Ministry of Health and Population on July 18, 2024.

The orientation, part of KOICA's Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) Fellowship Program, aims to strengthen health emergency coordination and operation systems in Nepal. This new multiyear CIAT program, running from 2024 to 2026, will train 45 officials from the Ministry of Health and Population by 2026.

The training, based on Korea's experiences, will take place in Korea from July 21 to August 3, 2024. The officials will depart for South Korea on July 20, 2024. The orientation aimed to prepare the officials for cultural and societal differences, providing knowledge about Korean culture, intercultural communication skills, and academic expectations.

Mooheon Kong, country director of KOICA Nepal Office, emphasized the importance of implementing and disseminating the knowledge gained in Korea to improve and strengthen health services in Nepal.

In June 2024, 15 officials from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, including CTEVT, participated in a similar training program titled “Capacity Building of TVET Instructors on E-learning in Nepal.” Health, education, agriculture, governance, and environment are key sectors where KOICA implements the CIAT program.

Since 1991, the KOICA fellowship program has supported over 2,600 Nepali government officers through various programs, including Country Specific Programs, Multi Country Programs, and Scholarship programs. KOICA remains committed to supporting human resource development in Nepal through these initiatives.