The Climate-Migration-Health Nexus (CMHN) describes the compounding pathways through which environmental change shapes population mobility and, through mobility, health outcomes. In Nepal, these pathways operate simultaneously across two distinct migration streams: internal displacement, where communities in climate-affected hill and mountain districts relocate to Terai lowlands or urban centres; and international labour migration, where climate-related livelihood erosion in rural areas accelerates departure to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Malaysia. Each stream generates distinct health vulnerabilities, yet Nepal's health system, policies, and programmes do not treat climate, migration, and health as intersecting concerns. This Climate-Migration-Health Nexus Scoping Study will directly respond to this evidence and policy gap. The assignment seeks to systematically examine climate hotspots, patterns of internal displacement and labour migration, associated health vulnerabilities, and the capacity of health systems to respond. The study will also assess existing policies, institutional arrangements, and migrant health initiatives to identify gaps, overlaps, and entry points for integration. A strong emphasis is placed on gender sensitivity, migrant inclusiveness, and policy relevance. The study is not only a research exercise, but a strategic process aimed at informing national policy and programmatic decision-making. The study is expected to generate actionable, evidence-based recommendations that support the Government of Nepal (GoN), particularly the Ministry of Health and Food Safety, in advancing a climate-resilient and migrant inclusive health system.
 
Team Members:

• Krishna Pahari, PhD, Team Leader
• Daya Shrestha
• Kabita Yadav
• Rajendra Khatri

 
Geographical Coverage: Selected hospitals in Kathmandu Valley; Sunsari, Taplejung, Jajarkot, Bardiya, Achham, Kailali