Driving Immunization Efforts in Kathmandu, Nepal

At the forefront of immunization advocacy and preventive healthcare is Boost Community member Dr. Alisha Manandhar, a dedicated professional committed to making a lasting impact in the field of public health. With a passion for community well-being and a wealth of expertise in immunization, Dr. Manandhar has inspired many individuals within Nepal’s healthcare landscape.

Dr. Manandhar’s journey into immunization work began during her medical residency training, where she found herself drawn to the critical importance of vaccination in preventing diseases and promoting overall health. It was during this time that she took on the responsibility of guiding students through practical classes on immunization. These classes involved visits to immunization clinics, within the pediatric department, where students could gain hands-on experience with routine immunization procedures and learn about the importance of maintaining the cold chain for vaccine storage. As her residency progressed and she became involved with COVID-19 vaccination efforts, she discovered the transformative power of education in fostering vaccine acceptance and ensuring comprehensive immunization coverage.

After the completion of her residency training, Dr. Manandhar became a Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator at the Kathmandu Institute of Child Health (KIOCH), where she currently executes a wide array of tasks, from project planning and implementation to reporting and monitoring. Her management ensures that projects adhere to timelines and frameworks, while her dedication to data management and stakeholder coordination drives tangible results.

For Dr. Manandhar, “Seeing how planning, implementation, and monitoring activities contribute to positive changes in communities or beneficiaries’ lives is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s improving health outcomes, increasing access to essential services, or promoting sustainable development, knowing that our work makes a meaningful difference is truly gratifying. Additionally, being part of a team that collaborates towards a common goal and seeing our collective efforts translate into real-world results brings a sense of accomplishment and pride.”

Role models like Alisha’s mother inspire her to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact in the world, whether in the field of immunization or beyond. Dr. Manandhar’s mother’s resilience, compassion, and unwavering support, even during the most challenging of times, has been uplifting.

“There was a time during my work on a complex project when I encountered numerous challenges and setbacks. Deadlines were looming, bugs seemed insurmountable, and frustration was mounting. It was easy to feel overwhelmed and tempted to give up. During one particularly stressful moment, I reached out to my mom for support. Despite not being directly involved in my work, she had always been my rock, offering unwavering encouragement and belief in my abilities. Her words of wisdom and encouragement resonated deeply with me. She reminded me of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming obstacles, she instilled in me the confidence to keep pushing forward, even when the road ahead seemed daunting.”

Dr. Manandhar’s journey reached new heights upon joining the Boost Community and COVID-19 Recovery for Routine Immunization Fellowship in 2023, where she found a supportive network of like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing immunization efforts. Through the program’s mentorship option , Dr. Manandhar has forged a meaningful connection with her mentor, Ms. Rachel Belt. She received invaluable guidance and support, empowering her to refine her skills and amplify her impact in the field.

Dr. Manandhar shares that one of her proudest accomplishments thus far has been conducting an awareness session on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at a government school in Nepal for the Fellowship. The awareness session held at the school yielded promising and impactful results. Both students and teachers were not only excited to learn more but willing to ask questions about the significance of HPV vaccination and NCDs. The interactive format encouraged active participation, leading to a deeper understanding of the topics covered. Through conversations, the session effectively raised awareness among participants, empowering them to make informed health decisions. This initiative exemplifies her commitment to empowering communities with vital health knowledge and fostering preventive healthcare practices.

Dr. Manandhar’s believes national and global actors play a pivotal role in supporting her work by prioritizing cervical cancer prevention, aligning policies with WHO guidelines, and facilitating equitable access to HPV vaccines. Through collaboration and partnership, she believes that meaningful strides can be made towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer and improving the health outcomes of communities worldwide.

From Dr. Manandhar’s experience, the most valuable skills for an immunization professional include:

• Effective communication: crucial for conveying information to various stakeholders
• Leadership: necessary for coordinating programs and overseeing staff
• Organization: vital for managing resources and planning campaigns efficiently
• Problem-solving: essential for addressing challenges like vaccine shortages or hesitancy
• Technical expertise in immunization practices and public health policies: necessary for informed decision-making
• Cultural competence: helps in understanding and addressing diverse attitudes towards vaccination
• Adaptability and flexibility: key for responding to changing circumstances

Overall, Dr. Manandhar says that a successful immunization professional requires a combination of these skills to lead comprehensive immunization programs effectively.

Looking ahead, Dr. Manandhar has ambitious goals, deeply rooted in her passion for preventive medicine. She aims to deepen her expertise in non-communicable disease (NCD) management and cervical cancer prevention by advocating for increased access to HPV vaccination and spearheading research initiatives to drive positive health outcomes. In Dr. Alisha Manandhar’s journey, we witness the transformative power of passion, dedication, and collaboration. As she continues to champion preventive healthcare and immunization initiatives, her unwavering commitment serves as a testament to the profound impact that individuals can have on the health and well-being of their own communities.