Fourth Edition of JICA Chair Discusses MCH Issues in Nepal

The JICA Nepal Office, in collaboration with Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM), has organized the annual 4th “JICA Chair”.

This year’s the JICA Chair discussion centered on the theme of Maternal and Child Health (MCH), bringing together experts to share experiences and best practices for improving health services for mothers and children, JICA stated in a press release today.

The primary objective of the event was to facilitate meaningful discussions on strengthening maternal and child health services and evidence-based planning—drawing on lessons from Japan, Nepal, and other countries.

The event welcomed nearly 70 participants from diverse institutions, including Tribhuvan University, TUTH, Institute of Medicine (Medicine and Nursing campuses), Kanti Children’s Hospital, Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Midwifery Society of Nepal, Nepal Nursing Council, Nursing Association of Nepal Counterparts from the MCHHB Project (FWD/DOHS) and the Ministry of Health and Population, local health authorities and JICA officials.

Distinguished professors and specialists from Japan delivered lectures on global and country-specific advancements in maternal and child health.

Prof. Dr. Masamine Jimba, Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo who delivered lecture on “Three Decades of Maternal and Child Health in Nepal: Progress, Lessons, and the Road Ahead”.

Similarly Dr. Kie Kanda, Chief Advisor, MCH Handbook Project talked on the topic- “Introduction to JICA’s ongoing Technical Cooperation: The Nepal Maternal and Child Health Handbook Project”, while Ms. Keiko Osaki, Senior Advisor, JICA Human Development Department (Online) gave a presentation on “Global discussions and case studies on MCH Handbook implementation across countries.”

Presentation by Nepali academia on maternal and child health research in Nepal included – Maternal Health by Prof. Dr. Kesang Diki Bista, Head of Department, Obstetrics & Gynecology, TUTH and Child Health by Prof. Dr. Sudha Basnet, Head of Department, Pediatrics, TUTH.

Following the expert presentations, interactive discussions that highlighted Nepal’s unique social, cultural, and geographical considerations crucial to strengthening MCH services were also undertaken.

Discussions also emphasized the need for context-specific development models, supportive government policies, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Mohan Raj Sharma, Dean of IOM, Prof. Dr. Khem Karki, Assistant Campus Chief, Maharajgunj Medicine Campus and Mr. Mizuki Matsuzaki, Chief Representative, of JICA Nepal.

The discussions connected closely with JICA’s ongoing four-year technical cooperation project, launched in mid-April 2025, titled: “Project for Improving Continuum of Care for Mothers and Children through the Utilization of the MCH Handbook.”

Implemented jointly with the Ministry of Health and Population, the project aims to introduce an integrated Maternal and Child Health Handbook (MCHHB) and develop an effective model for delivering high quality, continuous MCH services.

The project is currently being implemented in Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces and is expected to significantly strengthen maternal and child healthcare nationwide.

This year’s JICA Chair marked an important step toward enhancing maternal and child health outcomes in Nepal by fostering dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting knowledge exchange between Nepal and Japan.

“JICA Chair”, also known as the “JICA Program for Japanese Studies,” collaborates with universities and academic institutions worldwide to offer lectures to share Japan’s development experience history, and policies.

The significance of the JICA Chair lies in its role in promoting mutual understanding and academic exchange between Japan and other countries. It provides a platform for fostering global networks of scholars and practitioners and contributing to solving international challenges through informed perspectives. (RSS)