RAPID RESPONSE COMMITTEE ADVOCACY WORKSHOP REPORT 2026, OKHALDHUNGA

| 2026 PAN aD ii dé EA RAPID RESPONSE COMMITTEE ADVOCACY WORKSHOP REPORT . a wee _Okhaldhunga District — सक 4 by ५056 जन imeem सा & sa: टु & CamScanner FOREWORD It gives me great pleasure to present this comprehensive report on Municipal Level Rapid Response Committee & Rapid Response Team Advocacy Workshop conducted in Okhaldhunga District, Koshi Province, in 2026. This workshop signifies an important step forward in strengthening our collective capacity to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to public health emergencies and disasters at the district level. Koshi Province Okhaldhunga, being disaster disaster-prone district, has underscored the urgent need for preparedness, coordination, and rapid response to health emergencies. In line with the National Guidelines for Rapid Response Team, this workshop was designed to update the Municipal Level Rapid Response Committee/Team, clarify roles and responsibilities, and reinforce coordination mechanisms among local governments and health institutions. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Health, Koshi Province, WHO Nepal, Pandemic Fund, Health Office Okhaldhunga, and municipalities of Okhaldhunga for their valuable contributions to the success of this workshop. Through active participation and dialogue, the workshop successfully established a shared understanding of emergency response structures, bottlenecks and promoted a culture of readiness at the district and local level through proactive strategies. The discussions and presentations during the sessions provided valuable insights into strengthening health system resilience, improving intersectoral collaboration, and ensuring timely and coordinated responses to future health emergencies. The collective commitment and enthusiasm of all stakeholders demonstrated throughout the workshop are commendable and reflect our shared vision of safeguarding public health and community well-being. As we move forward, the lessons and recommendations outlined in this report will serve as a practical guide for enhancing preparedness and response systems across the Okhaldhunga district. It is my firm belief that the continued implementation of the RRT and RRC frameworks, coupled with strong local ownership and multisectoral engagement, will significantly strengthen our capacity to respond timely and effectively to any public health emergency. 2747 agar Prasai as Act. Director fara Health Directorate, Koshi Province Ce} CamScanner Rapid Response Committee Advocacy Workshop report - Okhaldhunga District Rapid Response Committee Advocacy workshop Okhaldhunga District Background: In Nepal, the Rapid Response Team (RRT) and the Rapid Response Committee (RRC) play crucial roles in managing and mitigating the impacts of emergencies and disasters. The RRT, composed of health workers and technical experts, provides immediate response and investigation during crises like natural disasters or public health emergencies, including medical aid, shelter, and food distribution. It operates at the central, provincial, district and local level, coordinating with various stakeholders and conducting rapid assessments. The RRC, a higher-level body, oversees strategic and operational aspects of नेपाल सरकार emergency responses at the central, provincial or Sere i oe स्वास्थ्य सेवा विभाग municipality level. It ensures coordination among इपिडिमियोलोजी तथा रोग नियन्वण महाशाखा response units, manages resources, and makes critical Po decisions to address the crisis effectively. Together, these entities enhance Nepal's capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. The guidelines for the Rapid Response Team (RRT) and Rapid Response Committee (RRC) in Nepal were endorsed in 2022 AD. These guidelines were developed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses by providing a structured approach to managing and coordinating efforts during crises and disasters. Context: Okhaldhunga District at Koshi Province, eastern Nepal, cover approximately 1,074 square kilometers. The district is characterized by rugged hills, river valleys, and high-altitude landscapes, with elevations ranging from the lower foothills to the mountainous areas. Siddhicharan serves as the district headquarters. The district is bordered by Solukhumbu, Khotang, Ramechhap, Udaypur and Sindhuli, and is traversed by important rivers and streams that support local agriculture and settlements. Okhaldhunga has a diverse population comprising Rai, Tamang, Magar, Chhetri, Brahmin, Newar, Gurung, and Dalit communities, among others. Nepali, Rai languages, Tamang, and other local languages are commonly spoken. The local economy is largely dependent on agriculture and livestock farming, with major agricultural products including maize, millet, wheat, 2|Page Rapid Response Committee Advocacy Workshop report - Okhaldhunga District potatoes, vegetables, and various fruits. Cattle, goats, poultry, and other livestock are also important sources of livelihood for rural households. The district has considerable potential for tourism due to its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and mountainous landscape. Attractions include Siddhicharan Municipality and its surrounding areas, historic and religious sites, scenic viewpoints, forests, rivers, and trekking routes leading toward the Everest and other Himalayan regions. Okhaldhunga also holds cultural significance as the birthplace of renowned Nepali poet Siddhicharan Shrestha. Road connectivity and other infrastructure have gradually improved in recent years, although many remote and hilly settlements continue to face challenges related to transportation, communication, and access to basic services. Education and healthcare facilities are expanding across the district, contributing to improved access to essential services. Overall, Okhaldhunga is a culturally diverse and naturally rich district with significant potential in agriculture, tourism, and local economic development within Koshi Province. Objective of the workshop: e To Form and or update the Municipal-Level Rapid Response Committee/Team: If the committee/team has not been formed according to the guidelines, it should be reorganized. e To Discuss the Roles, Duties, and TOR: Discuss the roles, duties, and powers of the municipal rapid response committee and team. ० To encourage the Formation of a Health sector preparedness and response plan: Motivate the municipality to develop an emergency action plan for the health sector. The Health Directorate Koshi and Ministry of Health, Koshi Province, organized the workshop with financial assistance from The Pandemic fund and technical support from World Health Organization. The WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) team Field Medical Officer, stationed at the Provincial Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC), Koshi Province, coordinated with the Health Office Morang and the Health Section Chief of different Rural/Municipality to plan and schedule the workshop on the designated date. Additionally, the team played a key role in ensuring the successful execution of the program and the achievement of its objectives. 3|Page