Message From Country Director
Dear Partners, Friends, Well-Wishers, and Colleagues,
With over 25 years of experience in leprosy, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), disability, inclusive development, and broader health and social issues, I am honored to continue serving NLR Nepal as its Technical Director. My professional journey has always been guided by one principle: using research, innovation, and evidence-based practices to improve lives and promote equity.
NLR Nepal is now at a pivotal crossroads. Across the country, individuals affected by leprosy, persons with disabilities, women, and other marginalized groups continue to face systemic barriers to health care, education, livelihoods, and full inclusion. Meanwhile, development organizations like ours are contending with decreasing donor resources, increasing service demands, and the urgent need for sustainability and stronger systems.
In this evolving global and national context, we are committed to transforming NLR Nepal into one of the most respected and impactful development organizations. NLR Nepal has become a hub of innovation—generating evidence-based solutions through rigorous research, piloting scalable models, and leveraging digital tools and technology. By strengthening partnerships, building resilient communities, and aligning with the SDGs, we aim to tackle today’s pressing health and social challenges while contributing to global learning.
Together with our partners, we will continue to pioneer initiatives that eliminate preventable diseases, remove barriers to participation, and work towards a future of Zero Health Inequality from Disease, Zero Disability & Barriers, and Zero Discrimination & Exclusion. I believe that innovation, grounded in science and partnerships, is the most powerful tool to shape a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future.
I warmly invite you to continue walking this journey with us—bringing your expertise, solidarity, and commitment to drive the change we all aspire to.
How Are We Responding?
We cannot accept that limited resources will always hold back progress for people affected by leprosy, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. At NLR Nepal, we are committed to mobilizing knowledge, partnerships, and innovation to drive real change in communities. By bringing together evidence, technology, and strong collaborations, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for all.
NLR Nepal continues to align its efforts with Nepal’s NTD Roadmap (2021–2030) and our own multi-annual strategy. At the same time, we are expanding our scope to address broader public health challenges, disability-inclusive development, and equity concerns that are shaping Nepal’s future.
Driving Effectiveness & Impact
The social sector is undergoing radical shifts—shrinking resources, new technologies, changing government policies at federal, provincial, and local levels, and ever-growing community needs. To thrive in this reality, NLR Nepal is:
- Expanding services that address both health equity and inclusion.
- Strengthening capacity building and peer networks for sustainability.
- Leveraging research and innovation to create scalable, evidence-based solutions.
- Developing new funding partnerships to secure long-term impact.
By doing so, we are moving beyond leprosy alone and positioning NLR Nepal as a leader in tackling disease, disability, and discrimination together.
Adapting How We Work
We are revitalizing our strategic plan to reflect our Three Zeros vision:
- Zero Health Inequality from Disease
- Zero Disability & Barriers
- Zero Discrimination & Exclusion
We are investing in digital tools, geospatial mapping, and data-driven systems to improve our effectiveness. We are also refreshing our approaches to inclusion and sustainability, ensuring that local governments, communities, and partners fully own and lead the change.
Acknowledgements
Our journey would not be possible without the trust and collaboration of many. We deeply value the commitment of the Government of Nepal at all levels, particularly our close cooperation with municipalities. We are equally grateful to our international networks, NLR IO, WHO, GPZL, ILEP, funding agencies, and civil society partners for walking with us as we expand our mission.
Above all, we acknowledge the resilience and leadership of the people and communities we serve. Their voices and participation are at the heart of our work, inspiring us to keep pushing for a future free of health inequality, disability barriers, and social exclusion.
Looking Ahead
As NLR Nepal adapts and responds to changing needs, I invite you to join us as co-creators of solutions that not only fight disease but also dismantle barriers and create inclusive opportunities. With your partnership, we can ensure that all people—regardless of disability, gender, or place of residence—can live with dignity, equity, and resilience.
Thank you.
Nand Lal Banstola
Technical Director, NLR Nepal