On February 4, 2025, Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), in collaboration with Ward No. 2, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and Radiant Reader’s Academy, and in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), successfully organized a Cancer Awareness Program to mark World Cancer Day.
The event was honored by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the Ward Chair of Ward No. 2, Lalitpur Metropolitan City; Mr. Dan B. Thapa Magar, Supervisor and Treasurer of the Ward Health Implementation Committee; and Mr. Dev Raj Gelal, Vice Principal of Radiant Reader’s Academy. NDRI was represented by Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung, Lead of the Health, Education, and Environment Program; Prof. Dr. Tara Nidhi Bhattarai, Vice President; Dr. Shikha Thapa Magar, Executive Director I; Ms. Ashma Aryal, Outreach and Communication Officer and Mr. Parashar Khadka, Research Associate.
Additionally, the program saw active participation from other ward representatives, students, faculty members, and community members, making it a collaborative and impactful event.
The event aimed to raise awareness about cancer, its risk factors, and the significance of prevention and early detection. Through this initiative, NDRI not only educated the public about the harmfulness of tobacco but also manifested a collective commitment to tobacco control, with the goal of reducing the prevalence of tobacco-related diseases, including cancer, in Nepal.
The program featured a highly informative presentation by Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung, Lead of the Health, Education, and Environment Program at NDRI followed by Special Remarks by the Ward Chair and Supervisor of the Ward Health Implementation Committee and Vice Principal of Radiant Reader’s Academy. The session was moderated by Ms. Ashma Aryal.
Mr. Rajesh K. Maharjan, in his remarks, emphasized the role of research programs in driving local development. He further stressed the importance of engaging youth, as future leaders, in understanding evidence-based impacts on critical issues such as cancer. Additionally, he expressed his commitment to supporting cancer survivors, assisting them with treatment, and organizing program-centric activities focused on school and youth initiatives to foster a healthier future. Mr. Dan B. Thapa Magar also underscored the importance of Dr. Gurung’s insights, urging students to take them seriously as they align with his efforts to promote a healthier society. He highlighted how local governments have actively initiated awareness campaigns on narcotics, cancer, and various forms of tobacco.
Likewise, Dr. Gurung, in his presentation, shed light on the severe health risks associated with tobacco use, emphasizing its direct link to cancer and other chronic illnesses. He mentioned adolescents and teenagers who are particularly vulnerable to tobacco use, making them a critical target group for cancer prevention education. Therefore, this campaign specifically targeted school students in grades 8 and 9, aiming to raise awareness about the cancer burden and encourage healthier lifestyles among the youth. The topics covered in the presentation included the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, success stories from cancer survivor actress Ms. Manisha Koirala; causes of cancers, different forms of tobacco (chewable and non-chewable forms), and its impacts on human health. Dr. Gurung also highlighted the efforts made by NDRI via the Tobacco Control Program, statistics on tobacco consumption, school health programs, and different myths versus reality about tobacco, regulations, and policies for tobacco control.
In closing remarks, Mr. Dev Raj Gelal, expressed appreciation for the informative session conducted by the NDRI team where students learned crucial lessons on the impacts of Tobacco and its direct link to cancer and other diseases. He also expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests
The World Cancer Day Awareness Program served as a powerful platform to educate and inspire individuals to take proactive steps toward cancer prevention. The presence of experts, policymakers, educators, and students created an environment of collective learning and commitment to a healthier society. Participants shared their experiences, reflecting on how the session influenced their perspectives on tobacco use. One participant stated, “I used to smoke two years ago, but I quit. From now on, I will also raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco.” Another participant added, “This event taught me how tobacco not only harms smokers but also affects others. I will now educate my family members and help them quit smoking.”
NDRI extends its gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions in making this event impactful. The institute remains dedicated to driving research-based solutions and advocacy for public health.
Together, let us take action to build a cancer-free future!
