Cross-Border meeting between WHO SMO Nepal and India held in Biratnagar
Dates: 17-18/11/2025
Where: Nepal
Overview: WHO Nepal, with technical support from the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), convened a two-day cross-border capacity-building training for Surveillance Medical Officers (SMOs) of Nepal and India bordering Bihar State, India, in Biratnagar, Koshi Province, on 17–18 November 2025. A similar training for SMOs of Nepal and India bordering Uttar Pradesh of India was conducted in Gorakhpur, India, from 13–14 November 2025.
Nepal shares 1,751 km of porous border with India. In line with WHO South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (SEAR-ITAG) recommendations, the training aimed to strengthen preparedness for priority vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) outbreaks and reinforce mechanisms for cross-border collaboration—an essential component of regional health security. SMOs from both countries participated in tabletop exercises simulating cross-border measles and polio outbreaks. A HOTWASH session identified key areas for enhanced collaboration, including timely case notification, rapid field investigation, synchronized response actions, and structured cross-learning from recent public health events.
The meeting brought together 28 national and subnational technical officers from WHO India and WHO Nepal. Participants emphasized the need to formalize coordination mechanisms between International Health Regulations (IHR) and immunization teams, establish regular communication channels, and strengthen Points of Entry (PoEs) for early VPD detection. Recommendations included mapping vulnerable border areas, improving routine information exchange, and holding biannual joint SMO meetings to sustain collaboration and support synchronized outbreak response—ultimately contributing to stronger public health security along the Nepal–India border.
Outcomes: Surveillance Medical Officers from Nepal and India working in bordering districts mutually benefitted from cross-learning on VPD case notification, simulation exercise and plans to strengthen cross-border collaboration between health authorities of both countries.
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Author: Pasang Rai, National Professional Officer, Surveillance Cluster Lead
Photo: Group photo of cross-border meeting participants- Biratnagar, Nepal (Credits: WHO Nepal)