Geneva— Gagan Kumar Thapa, Member of Nepal’s Federal Parliament and former Minister of Health, completed a two-day visit to the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) in Allschwil, Switzerland, on May 6–7, 2025. During his visit, Thapa engaged with researchers, students, and faculty members to discuss key public health issues, including universal health coverage (UHC) and the need for more equitable international partnerships in global health.

Thapa held meetings with public health experts, including Prof. Dr. Günther Fink, Dr. Jordyn Wallenborn, and Ms. Carmen Fink. The discussions focused on pressing global health challenges in low- and middle-income countries, with special emphasis on childhood nutrition, equitable health financing, and the role of evidence-based policymaking.

Prof. Dr. Fink highlighted the often-overlooked nutritional gap among children between the ages of two and five, stressing the need for targeted interventions during this critical developmental phase. Dr. Wallenborn shared findings from her research on the positive impact of cash transfers in helping low-income women continue exclusive breastfeeding — a key contributor to both physical and cognitive development in early childhood.

On May 7, Thapa joined a high-level panel discussion at Swiss TPH titled “Advancing Universal Health Care and International Partnerships Despite Uncertainties in Global Health: A Political Perspective from Nepal.” Drawing from his own experience as Nepal’s Health Minister, he underlined the importance of sustained political involvement in shaping health policies and reform. “Too often, political leaders are excluded from the health policy conversation,” he remarked. “If we want systems that are inclusive and accountable, we cannot leave politics out of the equation.”

He also called on academic institutions like Swiss TPH to foster more structured and regular exchanges between researchers, health professionals, and political decision-makers — such as immersive trainings and collaborative research platforms.

The panel was moderated by Amit Aryal from Swiss TPH and featured health policy advisor Sudip Pokhrel, who emphasized the importance of equitable North–South partnerships. Pokhrel highlighted the need for mutual agenda-setting, respect for local knowledge, and ongoing engagement that goes beyond one-time events or symbolic commitments.

Thapa’s visit reflects growing momentum toward greater collaboration between political leadership and academic institutions in the pursuit of global health goals. His call for stronger ties between Swiss TPH and Nepali research institutions was welcomed with enthusiasm by the Swiss TPH community.