SATV Kathmandu, Jan 26: As winter is coming to an end across Nepal, the country still faces a dual health threat, severe air pollution and the seasonal spike in respiratory illnesses.
Nepal’s already overburdened healthcare system is feeling the pressure and impact of these combined factors. Experts warn that the root cause of air pollution including rapid infrastructure development, out-of-order vehicles, burning of coal and woods and lack of rainfall could worsen the health risks posed by the cold season if correct measures are not taken in time.
Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, has in recent years hazardous air quality, particularly during the winter months. In recent weeks, the air quality index (AQI) has surged to dangerous levels recording an AQI of 250, which is considered "very unhealthy."
Dr. Prakash Budathoki, Speaker at the Health Ministry of Nepal, explained the dip in temperature combined with the lack of rain, is trapping pollution in the Kathmandu Valley. He also cited the effects of local fires and the pollution drifting from surrounding areas as contributing factors. As a result, dust and smoke remain suspended in the air, severely affecting the city's air quality.
“The high level of pollution combined with low temperature has profound effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health in the population. People do not really take care of their hygiene during this time which creates easy transmission of viruses,” said Budathoki. “People with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable. The impact is not limited to those already suffering from respiratory illnesses; even healthy individuals can develop conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and other serious lung diseases due to prolonged exposure,” he added.
Budathoki stressed that the effect of air pollution is felt particularly in urban areas like Kathmandu, where thousands of vehicles contribute to the smog, and industrial emissions further worsen the air quality. “In the absence of rainfall to clear the air, the valley becomes a breeding ground for airborne diseases and pollutants,” he said.
Winter in Nepal also brings an increase in cases of respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. There is a trend of spike in risk of the flu and other respiratory infections, especially during the winter season. Many people in Nepal, where there is a shortfall of medical services, have already started to take ill due to influenza outbreak, with many patients suffering from co-infections, when multiple viruses attack the body at the same time.
Dr. Ganesh Kumar Rai, senior pediatrician and former director of Kanti Children’s Hospital, explained that co-infections, such as the simultaneous presence of influenza and flu viruses, could be particularly dangerous. “When a patient contracts multiple viruses at the same time, the likelihood of pneumonia increases, which can lead to severe health deterioration,” he said.
Dr. Rai emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment for respiratory illnesses. “Pneumonia, particularly in children, is a serious concern during the winter. It is the leading cause of death in children under five in Nepal,” he said.
“Pneumonia brought on by bacterial infection is significantly more deadly than viral pneumonia. Children, especially under-fives, are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of air pollution and respiratory diseases. During the winter season, children being more susceptible to the flu, it is necessary to keep them warm and protected from pollution,” said Dr Rai. He urged parents to ensure their kids are properly dressed, bundled up, and also to steer clear of crowded spots where there is a greater chance respiratory diseases are transmitted.
He also noted that while it’s important to keep children warm, parents should avoid over-bundling them, as excessive heat can cause discomfort and lead to other health problems.
Many children suffer from cold weather along with air pollution. Dr. Rai advised providing children warm, wholesome food and fluids, including boiled water and thick lentil soups, which can help build stronger immune systems. “Good nutrition is an important part of building up children’s defenses against respiratory infections,” he said.
During winter many families burn wood and coal inside their house, therefore it is necessary to have proper ventilation in order to protect themselves from harmful gases. Also, many fatalities occur during winter because of this situation. “It is necessary to have proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of indoor pollutants because stale air can worsen respiratory conditions. And it is also important to completely put out fires or turn off heaters inside closed rooms before falling asleep,” said Dr. Rai.
Along with these precautions, both Dr. Budathoki and Dr. Rai urged the public to follow standard health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded places.
“These measures have proven to be effective in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses. We have seen it work during the COVID–19 pandemic,” they said.
The importance of vaccination cannot be overstated. Doctors have urged flu shots for vulnerable populations, including older people, young children and those with weakened immunity. Dr. Rai informed the importance of launching awareness campaigns to spread the word about vaccination programmes against seasonal flu and other viral infections endemic in the winter season.
Dr. Budathoki and Dr. Rai pointed out that along with governmental efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, regulate industrial pollution and promote clean energy, people themselves should be aware of activities including burning of wood and other stuff, keeping themselves and their community clean and maintaining a civic knowledge regarding the spread of viruses and disease during the winter season.
“We must work towards a sustainable solution that ensures the health of our population, especially during the winter months,” said Dr. Budathoki.
As Nepal grapples with the worsening effects of winter and air pollution, experts agree that immediate action is required to protect public health. The government should prioritize in improving the healthcare infrastructure, promoting public health awareness and addressing the main cause of winter-borne diseases.
“There are certain regulations that government can implement to reduce air pollution. However, more importantly, we must prioritise quality health services to the people, provide them with proper medicines and give them training and awareness programmes to safeguard the health of the people,” said Dr. Budathoki.
Simultaneously, the citizens themselves should be aware and follow the health advisories. They should seek hospital treatments if they don’t feel well. “Many people seem to go to the pharmacy to get medicines, specially cough syrup, during the winter as soon as they get a cough. The medicines are not prescribed by the doctor. This also must stop, because taking medicines without a medical checkup and proper prescriptions could be more dangerous to the health of the public,” said Dr. Rai.
It is absolutely essential to protect oneself and family members from the harmful effects of both air pollution and the cold winter season.
