Zero Suicide International Asia Alliance-Welcome Reception Dinner 26th October 2025

On October 26th, 2025 the Zero Suicide International Asia Alliance convened a regional advocacy meeting on suicide prevention in Kathmandu, Nepal, bringing together representatives from Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, alongside delegates from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Nepal, UNICEF, WHO, Henry Ford Health (HFH), the Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal (PAN), TPO Nepal, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center, Mental Hospital Lagankhel and the GTA Foundation.

The gathering emphasized collaborative and evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention across Asia, promoting dialogue and partnership among regional stakeholders.

Dr. Shree Krishna Shrestha, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, addressed the participants, reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to strengthening mental health systems and advancing suicide prevention efforts.

Delegates from Henry Ford Health, including Mr. John Zervos, Executive Director of the Global Health Initiative, and Dr. Brian Ahmedani, Director of the Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, shared key insights from the Zero Suicide Model, underscoring the importance of cross-country collaboration and evidence-driven strategies to reduce suicide across the region.