Nepal One Health Institute (NOHI) is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the principles of One Health – an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Nepal One Health Institute (NOHI) is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the principles of One Health – an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Established by experienced One Health practitioners from diverse disciplines to address unique public health challenges of Nepal and other low-and-middle-income countries, the institute serves as a technical and operational hub for collaborative research, innovation, capacity building, community engagement, strategy formulation, policy guidance, analytical think tank, and evidence-based interventions across One Health sectors in Nepal and globally
A healthier, resilient, and sustainable future where human, animal, and environmental health systems are harmoniously integrated to safeguard lives and ecosystems.
Promote and utilize One Health strategies to detect and defend against health threats to human, animal, and environmental health through interdisciplinary collaboration, implementation, research, education, and steer and advocate for One Health systems, and strengthen their resilience to shocks and stresses at the interface
Our Core values:
● Collaboration: Building strong One Health partnerships across multi-sectors and disciplines
● Integrity - Upholding honesty, transparency, and accountability in all actions and decisions
● Innovation: Utilizing cutting-edge research and technology in addressing One Health challenges
● Equity: Ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and accessibility in One Health services and research
● Scientific Excellence - Committing to evidence-based practices and high-quality research to guide decision-making, policy formulation and implementation at ground level
● Sustainability: Advocating for long-term and eco-friendly solutions in One Health approaches
Virendra Lal Larn
Mr Virendra Karn has a wide experience of health management and coordination within both government and I/NGOs.
He is a proficient health program trainer with more than 20 years of facilitation and communication experience. He also brings more than 14 years of teaching experience of students of Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) in the areas of disaster management, public health, human resource development, project management, and epidemiology. Mr Karn is a seasoned professional of Nepal in program design, implementing and monitoring, evaluation, and coordination of projects. He has an international research experience in Malawi characterising the understandings of the community on TB and HIV in Ntcheu district of Malawi. The dissertation paper was submitted to Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, in 2001.
Ganesh Khatiwada
Ganesh Khatiwada is an accomplished public health professional with over a decade of experience in health systems strengthening, immunization programs, and humanitarian response. He holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and an MPhil in Population Studies. Throughout his career, he has worked across government systems, NGOs, INGOs, and bilateral projects, bringing extensive expertise in program design, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building. His career highlights include providing technical support for Nepal’s national immunization program, the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, and the Measles-Rubella campaign. Ganesh has played a key role in developing national-level policies and guidelines, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of health systems. He has collaborated with local communities, governments, and international organizations to implement impactful health and development programs. With a strong understanding of Nepal's socio-cultural, political, and health landscapes, his current focus lies in areas such as One Health, climate change, vaccinology, monitoring and evaluation, and climate-resilient health systems, aiming to address global health challenges and drive sustainable change.
Dr. Shekhar Pokhrel
Dr. Shekhar Pokhrel is a dedicated Assistant Professor and a highly skilled veterinarian and public health expert with over a decade of professional experience. With a strong academic background, he is actively engaged in research and teaching graduate students in courses such as Veterinary Epidemiology, Zoonotic Diseases, Food Hygiene, and Public Health. He has a keen interest in addressing zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), focusing on implementing innovative mitigation measures using the One Health approach. His passion lies in studying the infection dynamics of diseases with significant health implications and developing cost-effective control strategies through mathematical modeling.
Mr. Ajay Narayan Sharma
Mr. Ajay Narayan Sharma has extensive experience in healthcare, laboratory sciences, and research. After completing his master’s degree in biotechnology from HNB Garhwal University in 2011, he began his career as a Quality Control Officer at Panas Pharmaceuticals in Nepalgunj, where he gained in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. In 2012, he moved to Kathmandu and joined the Center for Molecular Dynamics as a Research Associate, later being promoted to Assistant Laboratory Manager and then Laboratory Manager. During his tenure, he conducted extensive research across multiple fields, including human health, wildlife, public health, plant sciences, and conservation, while also overseeing laboratory operations.
In 2018, Ajay transitioned to the role of Production Manager at Biovac Nepal, where he contributed to vaccine development, successfully producing a vaccine against Newcastle Disease (ND) in poultry. In 2020, he left both organizations to join Nepal Mediciti Hospital, where he established the Molecular Biology Department and introduced various molecular diagnostic tests. His career further expanded in 2022 when he took on the role of Operations Manager at Alfa Healthcare and Diagnostic Center, gaining valuable experience in managing healthcare facilities and overseeing daily operations.
With his diverse expertise, Ajay co-founded a polyclinic in Maitidevi alongside Dr. Avash and Dr. Prajwol, aiming to provide essential health services to the community. He also applies his knowledge at National Path Lab in Lalitpur, contributing to Nepal’s first human molecular diagnostics. Recognizing the urgent need for a holistic One Health approach to address human, animal, and environmental health challenges, he co-founded the Nepal One Health Institute, providing a platform for One Health-related research and collaboration in Nepal.
Kamal Raj Gosai
Kamal Raj Gosai earned his PhD in Ecology from Guangxi University, China. He has a dual Master's degree in Environmental Science and English. He has been conducting research on various faunal species, particularly on avifauna for almost a decade now. In addition to a strong presence in the research sector, he has also held leading positions in academic and developmental sectors in Nepal. He worked as the Head of the Department of Environmental Science at Khwopa College for five years, as the Executive Director of Clean Energy Nepal (CEN) for nearly two years, and as the Program Manager at Integrated Development Society (IDS Nepal) for almost a year. He is working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science, Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University of Nepal. He has published almost two dozen scientific articles in national and international journals and participated in conferences inside and outside the country. He has also been actively writing on Environmental issues in online and paper-based newspapers and magazines.
Bibhuti Raj Basnet
Mr. Bibhuti Raj Basnet is a versatile professional with a multidisciplinary background in economics, law, management, governance, and sustainable development. Holding a Master’s in Public Policy & Governance (MPPG), a Master of Arts in Economics (M.A. Econ.), a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), he combines academic expertise with practical experience to create tangible and positive impacts.
With years of experience in management, leadership, strategic planning, advocacy, research and consultation, Mr. Basnet focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, fostering sustainable economic growth, and bridging global opportunities with local communities. His expertise spans public policies and governance, legal frameworks, and responsible investment strategies, all focused on achieving long-term development and positive societal change.
Mr. Basnet emphasizes the integration of private sector growth, entrepreneurial strategies, and both governmental and non-governmental efforts to foster a collaborative environment for sustainable progress. His work in the One Health sector drives his commitment to solutions that address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, furthering sustainable development.
Committed to practical and collaborative solutions for lasting change, Mr. Basnet works to create opportunities for entrepreneurship and sustainable growth within communities. His versatile skill set and deep understanding of both local and global economic landscapes, coupled with legal insights, position him as a catalyst for positive change, striving to improve the well-being and opportunities for people across diverse communities.
Sankalpa Bhattarai
Sankalpa Bhattarai is a global health researcher, one health practitioner and microbiologist with expertise in infectious diseases, pathogen surveillance, and public health. He holds dual master degrees in Global Health from Duke/Duke Kunshan University and Microbiology from Tribhuwan University. His research spans topics such as antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, bioaerosol surveillance, and migrant health, focusing on low-resource settings.
Sankalpa has contributed to multiple high-impact international collaborations, including research on respiratory viruses, and health challenges faced by migrant workers. He has worked with universities like Duke University, Keele University, and Bournemouth University, leading projects that explore innovative health solutions.
Sankalpa has also published widely in peer-reviewed journals, presented at global conferences, and secured grants for impactful studies. With skills in laboratory, data analysis, and systematic reviews, Sankalpa continues to mentor the next generation of public health professionals.
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