Strengthening laboratory leadership for stronger health security in Nepal

The National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), under the Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Food Safety (MoHFS), in collaboration with the WHO Country Office for Nepal and WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, with support from the Global Fund, conducted the Global Laboratory Leadership Programme (GLLP) Training of Trainers and Mentors (TOTM) in Kathmandu from 27-31 July 2026. The programme brought together senior laboratory professionals from the human health, animal health, food safety and environmental sectors to strengthen leadership competencies through a One Health approach. Over five days, 15 participants from human health (10), animal health (3), food safety (1) and environment (1) sectors enhanced their skills in laboratory leadership, adult learning, facilitation of group work, mentoring and workforce development, building a national pool of trainers and mentors who will support the future implementation and sustainability of GLLP in Nepal.  WHO provided technical support for this initiative, with financial support from the Global Fund GC-7 matching funds for integrated laboratories. Nepal is the second country in the WHO South-East Asia Region and the thirty-third globally to implement GLLP. Through strengthened leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration, Nepal continues to advance resilient laboratory systems and preparedness for public health threats.