In November 2025, a significant cross-border capacity building meeting was held to strengthen preparedness and collaboration against vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) outbreaks between WHO India and WHO Nepal. The sessions took place in Gorakhpur, India, from November 13 to 14, and in Biratnagar, Nepal, from November 17 to 18. The initiative aimed to equip Surveillance Medical Officers (SMOs) with the strategies, tools, and knowledge needed for effective outbreak response along the shared India–Nepal border.
WHO Country Offices in both nations maintain a network of SMOs who provide technical support for high-quality VPD surveillance at the subnational level. During the meetings, participants received briefings on International Health Regulations (IHR) and emergency response frameworks, ensuring alignment with global standards for public health emergencies. Updates were provided on standard operating procedures for responding to poliovirus, measles, and rubella outbreaks, along with guidance on assessing preparedness and mitigating potential risks.
A tabletop simulation exercise (TT SimEx) focusing on cross-border polio and measles outbreaks was conducted, reflecting the unique challenges posed by the approximately 1,800-kilometer open and porous border between India and Nepal. This exercise allowed participants to share insights, test response strategies, and enhance coordination, ensuring that both countries can respond efficiently to transboundary health threats.
The meetings reinforced cooperation between WHO India and Nepal, aiming to strengthen regional capacity for preventing, detecting, and controlling VPD outbreaks. By fostering partnerships and harmonizing strategies, the initiative enhances public health security along the border, ultimately contributing to safer communities and more resilient health systems in both countries.
