This collaboration between the University of Virginia and the Planetary Health Research Centre (PHRC) in Kathmandu addresses severe pollution impacts on population health in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley.
The innovation lies in its interdisciplinary approach: combining epidemiology, civil engineering, pulmonary medicine, infectious disease modeling, and geospatial analysis to create a holistic framework for understanding pollution’s effects on human resilience. The project introduces novel tools such as portable lung capacity assessments, GIS-based identification of high-risk areas, and a validated Nepali-language survey instrument, all designed to generate actionable data in a region where health impacts of pollution remain under-documented.
By embedding UVA students in the research process and aligning with global funding opportunities, the initiative also builds capacity for sustained, scalable interventions.
The project strengthens community resilience and informs policy in one of the world’s most polluted urban environments. By conducting large-scale pilot surveys and scoping assessments, the team seeks to generate evidence that can guide interventions to mitigate health risks from air and waste pollution. The collaboration not only empowers local institutions like PHRC but also positions the partnership to attract major international funding, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ultimately, the project advances planetary health by linking environmental stressors to public health outcomes, fostering innovation in global health equity, and training the next generation of researchers to address complex climate and pollution challenges.
