Nepal marked World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 with a series of coordinated activities at federal, provincial and local levels, bringing together government agencies, WHO, development partners, communities and other stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen action against one of the country’s preventable public health and disaster-related risks.
Led by the Ministry of Health and Food Safety (MoHFS), with technical support from WHO Country Office for Nepal, the nationwide observance promoted evidence-based drowning prevention measures and encourage multisectoral collaboration. Activities reached stakeholders across provinces and districts, with a particular focus on communities living in flood-prone and high-risk areas.
At the federal level, a national commemorative event was organized at the Department of Health Services (DoHS) on 24 July, bringing together government officials, technical experts, development partners and stakeholders. The event was addressed by the DoHS Director General Dr Anuj Bhattachan, WHO Representative to Nepal a.i. Dr Allison Gocotano, and experts working in public health and drowning prevention, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Nepal Swimming Organization and Nepal Police.
Speakers highlighted the burden of drowning and the importance of evidence-based interventions. The discussions underscored that drowning is preventable and that sustained efforts involving the health sector, disaster management authorities, local governments, education institutions, communities and development partners are essential to reduce the risk.
During the programme, WHO Representative to Nepal a.i. Dr Allison Gocotano highlighted the importance of a coordinated, multisectoral approach to prevent drowning and protect vulnerable communities, stating: “Nepal has already made important progress in building safer and more resilient communities through investments in early flood warning systems, river monitoring, pre-hospital care and community-based emergency preparedness. We must now build on this foundation and scale up proven interventions through coordinated action across health, education, disaster risk reduction, water and sanitation sectors, working closely with local governments and communities.”
To support the nationwide campaign, the global World Drowning Prevention Day theme and key messages were adapted to Nepal’s context. A range of information, education and communication materials and advocacy resources were developed and disseminated to promote awareness and encourage practical prevention measures.
A standardized technical presentation package was also developed to support awareness and advocacy activities across the country. The package covered the global, national and provincial burden of drowning, as well as WHO-recommended interventions to prevent drowning. Advocacy materials, videos, technical presentations and key messages were circulated to provincial ministries, health directorates, district health and public health offices, local governments and partner organizations to support observance activities at the subnational level.
Across the country, provincial and district-level stakeholder interactions brought together government officials, health authorities, police, disaster management agencies, development partners and civil society organizations. Multisectoral interaction programmes were organized in several districts of Bagmati, Madhesh, Koshi and Karnali provinces, providing a platform to discuss local drowning risks and identify opportunities for coordinated prevention action.
In Sudurpashchim Province, drowning prevention was integrated into provincial disaster preparedness and emergency response discussions, recognizing drowning as an important yet preventable public health issue, particularly during disasters and emergencies.
At the community level, awareness and risk communication activities were conducted in flood-prone and high-risk areas through collaboration with local governments, district health offices, health workers, teachers and community representatives. Activities were reported from Jhapa, Sarlahi, Rolpa and Kavre districts, where stakeholders discussed drowning risks and the importance of preventive action.
The nationwide observance demonstrated the growing recognition that preventing drowning requires action beyond a single sector. By strengthening awareness, promoting evidence-based interventions and integrating drowning prevention into health and disaster preparedness systems, Nepal and its partners are working to ensure that more communities have the knowledge, coordination and support needed to turn the tide on this preventable cause of death.