WeSHAPE Project

Project Team

UK Team ( Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine)

Dr. Jiban Karki, Principal Investigator 

Dr. Jiban Karki is a public health and development expert with over 25 years of experience in development and project management in Nepal. Dr. Karki has also dedicated more than 10 years to academic research across the Global South, working in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, leading the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) aspects of a multi-country research project and the WeSHAPE Project currently being implemented in Nepal. Throughout his career, Dr. Karki has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (CoI) on various studies focusing on health systems, disaster resilience, disability, assistive technology, and urban health. His extensive experience includes participatory research methodologies, implementation research, primarily focused on improving the delivery of community-based primary health care and other essential services in the Global South. He is committed to addressing complex health and development challenges through evidence-based approaches and inclusive practices.

Dr. Lana Whittaker
Dr. Lana Whittaker is a distinguished human geographer and Senior Research Associate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), where she also serves as a Lecturer in Human Geography specializing in Climate Change and Health. With over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience spanning geography, public health, development studies, and conservation, she focuses on advancing policies and strategies to enhance livelihoods, health, and well-being, particularly in the context of climate change and informal settlements. An accomplished academic, Dr. Whittaker has secured significant research funding, published extensively in high-impact journals, and contributed to global health governance through memberships in organizations such as WHO’s Technical Working Group on Climate-Resilient Health Systems. She is also an expert educator, leading LSTM's climate change and health curriculum, mentoring PhD and Master’s students, and championing innovative, participatory research approaches that address social inequalities and promote sustainable development.

Dr. Rachel Tolhurst

Dr. Rachel Tolhurst is an esteemed academic with over 25 years of experience in international health research, focusing on gender equity and health systems strengthening in Africa and Asia. As a Reader in Social Science and International Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, she has pioneered work on the social determinants of health inequities, including intersections between gender, poverty, and disability. Her leadership is exemplified by her roles in managing multi-partner, interdisciplinary research consortia and her contribution to global equity research, such as serving on the UNICEF-Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Equity Reference Group. With a rich academic background, including a PhD in participatory gender mainstreaming in health and numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Tolhurst has made profound contributions to maternal health, antimicrobial resistance, and urban health equity. Additionally, she is a dedicated mentor, having supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, reflecting her unwavering commitment to capacity-building in global health research.

Nepal Team ( PHASE Nepal)

Dr Mandira Lamichhane (climate change, health and gender)

Dr. Mandira Lamichhane Dhimal is a renowned researcher and policy expert in Nepal, serving as Director at the Planetary Health Research Centre (PHRC) in Kathmandu. A member of the Global Young Academy (2023 - 2028) and a visiting Faculty at Nepal Open University, she holds extensive experience in international and governmental organizations. Notably, she served as an Associate Research Fellow at the Policy Research Institute, and as a Founder Research Fellow at the Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies. With a PhD from Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, she specializes in gender perspectives on health impacts of environmental and climate change in Nepal.

Dr. Situ KC

Dr. KC is a seasoned public health expert with a decade-long career, holding a master’s in public health and a recent doctoral degree in Health Science/Epidemiology from Tampere University, Finland. Currently, she works at PHASE Nepal as well as teaches at Kantipur Academy of Health Science, specializing in Family Health, Epidemiology, and Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Health programs. With five first-author publications in esteemed international journals and presentations at prestigious conferences, her expertise spans quantitative and qualitative data analysis using SPSS, STATA, and Microsoft Office. Dr. KC's interests focus on maternal and child health, perinatal health, health service access, and aiding vulnerable populations, showcasing her commitment to health equity and addressing disparities.

Bikash Koirala ( PhD Student - Public Health at the University of Huddersfield)

Bikash, with 11 years at PHASE Nepal, leads diverse projects in health, nutrition, disaster risk reduction, and research. His MPhil in Development Studies and ongoing PhD in Public Health, coupled with a natural science background, underpin his expertise. Skilled in participatory methods and policy workshops, he offers technical and creative insights. He recently lead a MRC, UK funded Health System Research Initiative (HSRI) project in PHASE Nepal collaborating with five other  partners, three  institutions in the UK and two in Nepal respectively. With an active engagement as an author in several publications and presenter in research forums, he is also a recipient of a Provincial Research Grant by Nepal Health Research Council in 2022. He holds an Specialization in Biostatistics and Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University, USA as well as Specialization from Public Health Data Analytics Using R programming from Imperial College London. 

Barsha Rijal

Barsha Rijal is a dedicated public health researcher with a Master's degree in Global Health and a Bachelor's degree in Public Health. Currently a Research Associate at PHASE Nepal, she leads applied research projects, collaborating with academia, government, and development agencies. Her work includes assessing living conditions in informal settlements and studying non-communicable diseases in rural Nepal. She also serves as Vice-Chairperson on the Board of Directors of EcoHimal Nepal, focusing on climate change initiatives. Barsha has co-authored numerous publications in international journals and received the Provincial Research Grant by the Nepal Health Research Council in 2022.

Samikshya Nepal

Samikshya Nepal is a committed public health professional with a Master’s degree in Public Health from Tribhuvan University and extensive experience in research and community health. Currently a Research Associate at PHASE Nepal, she has a proven track record in participatory research, policy analysis, and fostering equitable community engagement. Her expertise lies in employing innovative methodologies, including qualitative data collection and analysis, to address complex health challenges. With prior roles as a Public Health Officer in government organizations, Samikshya combines her technical skills in tools like SPSS and Kobo with a passion for gender equity and social inclusion, contributing to transformative public health initiatives in Nepal.

Chetana Pokharel

Chetana Pokharel is a dedicated public health expert with a Master’s degree in Public Health from MMIHS, Tribhuvan University. As Research Associate at PHASE Nepal, she brings exceptional skills in participatory policy-making, data analysis, and capacity strengthening. Chetana has been instrumental in projects addressing climate change, health equity, and marginalized communities, showcasing her ability to bridge research and policy. With extensive training in tools like SPSS and WHO Anthro Plus, and experience in systematic reviews and stakeholder engagement, she combines academic excellence with practical expertise to promote inclusive and impactful health solutions.

Project Locations

A satellite picture showing project areas below the Himalayan range pinned in yellow location points : Pokhara Valley (West), Panchpokhari Hills (East). Kathmandu valley is seen in between ( blue location mark). Source : Google Earth.

Panchpokhari Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchok District
Panchpokhari Rural Municipality, situated in Nepal's Sindhupalchok district, is highly susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change. This rural municipality experiences frequent landslides, floods, and extreme cold, which significantly affect the livelihoods and well-being of its residents. The majority of the population in Panchpokhari belongs to the Tamang ethnic group, a community that remains underrepresented in policy-making processes. Despite these challenges, the area presents a critical opportunity to explore the intersection of climate vulnerabilities and social inclusion. The research will leverage insights from PHASE Nepal's ongoing community development programs in Panchpokhari to identify and address the unique barriers faced by marginalized groups, particularly in engaging with climate action and governance.

Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City, Kaski District
Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City, located in Kaski district, is an expanding urban center marked by significant rural-urban migration and a diverse mix of ethnic communities. The city is home to 30 informal settlements along river corridors, where residents face inadequate living conditions, making them highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as extreme heat, cold, and floods. With its dynamic urban environment and growing population of urban poor, Pokhara provides a contrasting setting to Panchpokhari for understanding the impacts of climate change. Drawing on insights from the LSTM-led GCRF ARISE project, this study will examine the unique challenges and opportunities for promoting inclusive climate governance in an urban context, focusing on the health and well-being of marginalized populations.

News/Updates

Participatory Policy Analysis for Climate Action: Insights from Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality

May 02, 2025

PHASE Nepal Research Team successfully conducted a 2-day Participatory Policy Analysis Workshop on April 29–30, 2025, in Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality. The workshop brought together 20 participants, including elected officials, health workers, FCHVs, and representatives from various sectors, to discuss the intersection of gender, health and climate change.

Through interactive tools like the River of Life and Problem Tree, participants reflected on women's leadership, community challenges and policy gaps. The discussions emphasized the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive climate policies, with strong support from the municipality to develop local climate adaptation guidelines.

Participatory Video: Local Women Document Climate Change Realities in Panchpokhari

March 11, 2025

As part of ongoing climate and health research in Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, PHASE Nepal Research Team conducted a Participatory Video activity from 2 March to 6 March 2025. Four Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) were engaged as co-researchers through consultation with the local health section and received hands-on training in video-making, interviewing, and storytelling.

Facilitated by PHASE researchers, the two-day training was followed by three days of fieldwork across five locations, where participants independently recorded community voices and visuals highlighting the local impacts of climate change such as landslides, agricultural loss, and shifting weather patterns. Co-researchers provided their valuable input to ensure the final product reflects their insights and community realities. This activity not only built technical capacity but also empowered local women to document and amplify grassroots climate stories.

Capturing Climate Stories: Photovoice in Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural
Municipality

March 11, 2025

From 27 February to 9 March 2025, PHASE Nepal conducted a powerful Photovoice activity in Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, engaging nine community co-
researchers, mostly Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) to document the impacts of climate change through photography.

The process began with a two-day hands-on training facilitated by PHASE researchers. Participants explored the art of visual storytelling, photography basics, and ethical
practices. They reflected on how images can speak volumes about community struggles and resilience.

Training on Photovoice and Participatory Video making in Pokhara

February 23, 2025

PHASE Nepal research team visited Panchpokhari Rural municipality to conduct training on Photovoice and Participatory Video during the first and second week of February of 2025 to document the impact of climate change on women in the Pokhara Metropolitan City. Using co-researchers from local communities, these approaches collect visual stories from the field, capturing the lived experiences of the locals. The training was conducted in presence of Dr. Jiban Kari and Prof. Dr. Rachel Tolhurst from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)

Stakeholder Meeting in Pokhara

February 10, 2025

On 4th February 2025, a stakeholder meeting was held in Pokhara as part of our ongoing research project.  The project is being implemented by PHASE Nepal in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), UK. The meeting brought together over 12 key stakeholders, including the Deputy Mayor, ward representatives, officials from relevant municipal divisions, the PHASE Nepal team, and senior researchers from LSTM- Professor Rachel Tolhurst and Dr. Jiban Karki.

During the session, we shared preliminary findings from our research, which draw on insights gathered through key informant interviews. Discussions focused on how women’s voices can be more effectively integrated into climate-related policy development, with an emphasis on health and wellbeing outcomes.

Stakeholder Analysis in Pokhara

December 20, 2024

Stakeholder meeting was held in Pokhara on 12 December 2024, with the participation of over 15 individuals, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, ward representatives, officials from various divisions of the Metropolitan Office, Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), and women from marginalized communities. During the meeting, key stakeholders for the development of a climate change and health policy were identified. The roles of identified stakeholders in the policymaking process, as well as their power and interest in shaping the policy were discussed.

Field Activities Initiated in Pokhara

December 20, 2024

The PHASE Nepal research team visited Pokhara Metropolitan City, Kaski from December 10 to December 16, 2024, to initiate the field activities for the WeSHAPE Project. During this period, the team  coordinated with the key stakeholders and held a stakeholder meeting. Additionally, the team also conducted key informant interviews with key personnel and in-depth interviews with the community women, regarding climate change, health and related policy and decision making.

Field Activities Initiated at Panchpokhari

November 29, 2024

The PHASE research team visited Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk from November 4 to November 24, 2024, to initiate the field activities for the BA project. During this period, we coordinated with key stakeholders and successfully held a stakeholder analysis meeting, with active participation from the deputy chair of the rural municipality, ward chairpersons, the chief of the health section, FCHVs, community women and school teachers. Additionally, we conducted key informant interviews with key personnels regarding climate change and health decision-making. We also commenced in-depth interviews with community women and FCHVs.

British Academy Project Induction Held in Pokhara

24 July, 2024

PHASE Nepal team successfully held a project induction workshop on the British Academy funded project named

“Developing women’s role in policy-making processes: shaping gender equity and inclusiveness in climate action for health and wellbeing in Nepal”,

with the senior stakeholders of Pokhara Metropolitan City one of the two local levels partners of this project. This project is jointly implemented by PHASE Nepal and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.  The induction programme was organized on the 20th of July, 2024 to discuss the project plans and budgets with the stakeholders. The participants of the programme comprised of executive members of the metropolis such as Deputy Mayor, and Chiefs of the Social Development, Health, Education and Planning Departments. The officials have provided creative and constructive feedbacks on how we implement the project.

” Please include Female Community Health Voluteers (FCHVs) and the members of Health Facility Operation and Management Committee (HFOMC) to explore the ground issues so that we can bring them to the policy dialogues”, suggested the chief of the health section.

“Please also coordinate with the environment section of the metropolis as this project is related to the climate change”,  said the deputy mayor.

 

Photovoice in Panchpokhari

Participatory Video in Pokhara

Stakeholder Analysis Meeting in Panchpokhari Thangpal RM

 

Key Informant and In-depth Interviews at Panchpokhari