Nepal’s first large-scale, multidisciplinary stroke conference, fostering the exchange of clinical experience, research innovation, and systems-based approaches to stroke care.
Stroke remains a major cause of mortality and disability in Nepal, where delayed recognition, limited diagnostic facilities, and the absence of standardized systems have long hindered effective treatment. Yet, growing collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and policymakers signals a turning point in the country’s approach to stroke.
Against this backdrop, the Himalayan International Stroke Summit (HISS 2025),held on August 16–17, 2025, at The Soaltee, Kathmandu,marked a historic step toward developing a sustainable, evidence-based stroke care framework for Nepal and the Himalayan region.
Leveraging Global Collaboration for Local Change
Organized by the Nepal Stroke Association (NSA) in collaboration with the Nepal Stroke Project (NSP),a partnership between Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and NSA under the GIZ Hospital Partnership Program, the summit brought together over 500 participants and 59 speakers, including global experts from the World Stroke Organization (WSO), WHO, ESO, and APSO, alongside Nepal’s leading stroke specialists.
The event served as Nepal’s first large-scale, multidisciplinary stroke conference,fostering the exchange of clinical experience, research innovation, and systems-based approaches to stroke care.
From Knowledge to Action
The two-day program combined science, skill, and strategy. Day One featured high-level discussions on acute management, rehabilitation, and prevention,adapting global standards like thrombolysis and thrombectomy to low-resource settings. Day Two focused on applied learning through NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification, acute stroke management, Botulinum toxin workshops, and stroke research training.
A key milestone was the launch of the first Nepal Stroke Protocol, jointly developed by NSA and NSP, to standardize management across all levels of healthcare. The Honorable Minister of Health, Mr. Pradip Paudel, inaugurated the event in the presence of senior officials from the Nepal Health Research Council, WHO, and global stroke leaders including Prof. Jeyaraj Pandian (WSO President) and Prof. Craig Anderson (WSO President-Elect).
Catalyzing Systems Change
Beyond the sessions, HISS 2025 catalyzed tangible progress toward a stronger national stroke ecosystem:
The summit also strengthened international partnerships for hospital capacity building, emergency response systems, and data-driven research using platforms like RES-Q.
Looking Ahead
HISS 2025 demonstrated how global mentorship and local leadership can converge to build sustainable healthcare change. Its success reflects Nepal’s growing readiness to establish national stroke networks, rehabilitation systems, and future WSO-accredited stroke centers.
The journey ahead is clear: ensuring that every stroke patient in Nepal, regardless of geography or resource, receives timely, high-quality care.
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