To mark World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025, WHO Country Office for Nepal organized a media interaction programme with the aim to strengthen journalists’ understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and highlight the role of responsible media reporting in addressing this major public health threat.
The event held on 24 November 2025, brought together around 20 health journalists from different media platforms. Participants discussed how accurate reporting, improved public awareness and evidence-based communication can support national and global efforts to contain AMR. Speakers emphasized that AMR is a pressing challenge that requires coordinated action from governments, health professionals, media and communities.
/countries/nepal/img_5713.jpg?sfvrsn=7bd54909_5 "Ms Usha Tandukar, Senior Drug Administrator from the Quality Standards and Regulation Division, Ministry of Health and Population, delivering a presentation at a media interaction programme on antimicrobial resistance held in Bagmati Province, Nepal")
Ms Usha Tandukar, Senior Drug Administrator from the Quality Standards and Regulation Division, Ministry of Health and Population, delivering a presentation at the media interaction programme on AMR held in Bagmati Province, Nepal (top), and participants and facilitators of the programme (bottom). Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Dr Allison Gocotano, Team Lead for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme in WHO Nepal, opened the meeting by noting the importance of reliable media coverage in public health.
This was followed by technical presentations.
Dr Palpasa Kansakar Tuladhar, National Professional Officer – AMR at WHO Nepal, delivered a presentation on the global scenario of AMR outlining current trends, emerging risks and the potential impact on health systems.
/countries/nepal/img_5724.jpg?sfvrsn=bb710e31_5 "A group photo of participants and facilitators at a media interaction programme on antimicrobial resistance held in Bagmati province, Nepal")
Facilitators and participants present at the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Ms Usha Tandukar, Senior Drug Administrator from the Quality Standards and Regulation Division, Ministry of Health and Population, detailed Nepal’s ongoing efforts to contain AMR, including policy measures, regulatory strengthening and national strategies aimed at promoting rational use of antimicrobials.
Ms Kalpana Acharya, Chairperson of the Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA) – Asia Pacific Region, spoke on the role of media in preventing misinformation and encouraging responsible public behavior. She also announced the formation of the Nepal chapter of GAMA.
/countries/nepal/untitled-design568a5f33-3def-45d6-ae17-7fcd6822664a.png?sfvrsn=8e77a76f_5 "Facilitators presenting at a media interaction programme on antimicrobial resistance held in Bagmati Province, Nepal")
Clockwise: Ms Usha Tandukar, Senior Drug Administrator from the Quality Standards and Regulation Division, Ministry of Health and Population; Dr Palpasa Kansakar Tuladhar, National Professional Officer – AMR at WHO Nepal, and Ms Kalpana Acharya, Chairperson of the Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA) – Asia Pacific Region presenting during the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
Mr Bhisha Kafle, the President of the Health Journalists Forum-Nepal underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding and influencing policy action on AMR, calling for sustained collaboration to strengthen accurate and impactful communication during World AMR Awareness Week and beyond, while reaffirming the shared responsibility to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving medicines for future generations.
During his closing remarks, WHO Representative to Nepal Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav advocated for a continued, stronger partnership with journalists to advance the national response to AMR.
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WHO Representative to Nepal Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav delivering his remarks at the programme. Photo credit: WHO Nepal/S.G.Amatya
“AMR is an escalating crisis already affecting lives in Nepal. Nepal’s National Action Plan on AMR recognizes education and awareness as powerful tools in addressing this challenge, and the media as a critical partner in shaping informed public discourse. We are all partners working for the health of Nepal, and each of us must fulfill our roles with care, responsibility and accountability. Through accurate, ethical and evidence-based reporting, journalists can hold systems accountable and help communities understand that AMR is a personal and urgent issue that demands immediate action,” he said.