KATHMANDU, Dec 30: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has announced plans to prepare guidelines for the care of children with autism in Nepal. With the rising incidents of autism among children in the country, the Ministry of Health aims to address this growing health concern.
Minister Paudel emphasized that the guidelines will focus on key areas such as care and support for children with autism. A 10-member committee has been formed to lead this initiative, chaired by Dr Deepak Prakash Mahara. The committee includes experts such as Deepak Raj Sapkota, Dr Sunita Maleku, Dr Marina Shrestha, and Dr Arun Kunwar, along with representatives from various health and disability organizations.
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The committee will study autism prevention and propose measures for integration into health sector programs. It will also outline activities related to the care and treatment of children with autism and establish frameworks for collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations working in the field.
According to the 2078 Census, 4,884 people in Nepal are officially reported to have autism, though the World Health Organization estimates the actual number to be around 300,000.
