Kathmandu, May 21: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel highlighted Nepal's achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality in the country and eradicating polio in the global forum. Addressing the 78th World Health Assembly ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister Paudel proudly shared the success stories of expanding vaccine coverage and strengthening basic healthcare services in the country, said the Ministry of Health and Population. Emphasizing the need for global cooperation, resources and prioritization to ensure universal healthcare services, Paudel underscored innovative solutions to address global health challenges. The Minister took the event as an opportunity to shed light on the positive results of the mobilization of female community health volunteers and school health programmes implemented across the country. He also informed the assembly about the initiatives taken to control use of tobacco and tobacco products in Nepal. Mentioning about the ongoing health insurance, he stated that Nepal has prioritized preventive healthcare services, preparedness for pandemic and digital health initiatives. Drawing the world's attention towards the rising challenges such as increasing aging population, low birth rates, integral migration among others and growing risk for non-communicable and mental illness, he underlined the unified response against these global challenges. Expressing concern over the negative impacts of climate change in Nepal's health sector, he said that recently held 'Sagarmatha Sambaad', a flagship dialogue forum initiative by the government of Nepal, had raised about adverse impacts of climate change facing Nepal's vulnerable communities as well as other countries across the world. He announced that Nepal is going to organize an international conference on the issue climate and health. ---