/countries/nepal/whatsapp-image-2026-05-08-at-16.46.41-(1).jpeg?sfvrsn=322980b0_2 "Comprehensive training program for laboratory professionals on bacteriology culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing and antimicrobial resistance data recording and reporting held in Nepal")
Nepal – The National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and WHO Country Office for Nepal, with support from The Pandemic Fund, recently completed a comprehensive training program for laboratory professionals, conducted in three provinces: Gandaki, Madhesh and Sudurpashchim, between September 2025 to May 2026. The initiative equipped 45 medical laboratory technologists and microbiologists working in provincial and district hospitals, as well as Provincial Public Health Laboratories (PPHLs), on bacteriology culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data recording and reporting. These trainings are a part of the initiative to expand bacterial culture facility at subnational level health-care facilities by establishing 21 new bacteriology laboratories across all seven provinces and upgrading equipment in 12 hospitals and five PPHLs to strengthen AMR surveillance. The training enhanced participants’ skills in culture and sensitivity testing, AMR data management, and interpretation of test results to support improved patient care and disease surveillance. It also promoted laboratory practices and quality control measures, in line with national guidelines, to ensure accurate and reliable results, while improving access to laboratory diagnostic services in underserved areas. The initiative also aligns with the International Health Regulations Joint External Evaluation (IHR-JEE) 2022 recommendations to strengthen Nepal’s laboratory capacity for timely and quality AMR diagnosis and detection.