Nepal’s prospect better for WHO regional leadership race

Nepal’s prospect of being elected South Asia representative of the World Health Organization (WH0) for a term beginning November appears bright given India’s prior commitment to support Nepal.

Dr. Shambhu Acharya has been fielded by Nepal for the post. Dr Acharya is currently based in Geneva as director country strategy and support.

However, the announcement of Bangladesh to field Saumye Waged, daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the post has equally made it a prestige case for Dhaka.

Five years ago, India had promised to support Nepal’s candidature for the coming term if Nepal then supported their candidature. Following the understanding, Nepal did not field its candidate five years ago and supported India.

World Health Organization South Asia has eleven countries as its members.

Regional representative will have a five year tenure with a maximum two terms. India’s Dr Poonam Khetrapal will be completing her second term next month.

According to the foreign ministry sources, Nepal has been intensely lobbying for Dr Acharya and approached India to honor the pledge it made two years ago.

It is believed that Bangladesh has also approached India to support their candidate.

According to the information available form official sources, so far only Bhutan is believed to have expressed its certain reservation to support Nepal’s candidate.