Tribhuvan University (TU) hosted the prestigious Steering Committee Meeting of the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) on April 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in global health collaboration. The event, held at the Kathmandu Center for Research and Education (KCRE, CAS-TU) in Kirtipur, brought together international experts, government officials, and academic leaders to strengthen strategies for combating infectious disease outbreaks.

As one of 310 GOARN Partner Institutes worldwide, Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Microbiology has been instrumental in advancing outbreak response and research. Prof. Dr. Prakash Ghimire, a key figure at the department, serves on the 21-member GOARN Steering Committee, underscoring Nepal’s growing influence in global health governance.

Registrar of Tribhuvan UniversityProf. Dr. Kedar Prasad Rijal  emphasized the need for multinational collaboration in research and academia. “Tribhuvan University is committed to partnering with global institutions like WHO to address public health challenges,” he stated, pledging institutional support to advance the Microbiology Department’s work on infectious diseases.

Nepal’s Health Secretary, Dr. Bikash Devkota, highlighted the critical importance of GOARN’s mission for developing nations. “Nepal faces unique vulnerabilities to outbreaks, and this collaboration ensures our health systems are better prepared,” he remarked, thanking GOARN for choosing Nepal as the host and acknowledging the insights gained into local health contexts.

British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, reflected on the devastating 2015 earthquake, urging proactive measures against future crises. “Meetings like these forge actionable roadmaps to save lives during disasters,” he said, expressing optimism about GOARN’s role in mitigating future health emergencies.

The opening ceremony featured insights from global health leaders, including Dr. Abdi Mahamud (WHO Health Emergencies Programme), who stressed GOARN’s focus on rapid response and equity. Dr. Mohannad ALNSOUR (Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network), Mr. Armand Bejtullahu (Acting GOARN Manager), Dr. Edmund Newman (UK Public Health Rapid Support Team), and Dr. Daniela Garone (International Medical Corps) also delivered remarks, advocating for strengthened surveillance, capacity-building, and cross-border cooperation.

The meeting renewed commitment to fortify outbreak alert systems and foster academic partnerships. By convening in Nepal, GOARN not only amplified the voices of Global South nations but also set the stage for innovative solutions to emerging health threats.