SAFETRIP NEPAL

Research to tackle growing road traffic injuries in Nepal

A programme of research will address the growing problem of road traffic injuries in Nepal. The Safe systems approach for enabling traffic injury prevention in Nepal (SAFETRIP Nepal) project has been funded through a grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is a collaboration between UWE Bristol and Kathmandu Medical College Public Limited, Nepal, in cooperation with the two NGOs; Mother and Infant Research Activities (MIRA) and Safe and Sustainable Travel Nepal (SSTN).

Nepal has been large expansion of road network and and a large increase in vehicle ownership in recent times. However, without clear leadership, coordination and funding, the number of road traffic injuries has increased and there is no national ambulance service to provide prehospital care to those who are injured. Road traffic injuries are one of the most preventable causes of death, injury and disability.

SafeTrip Nepal

A ‘Safe Systems’ approach, in which all agencies work together to create an environment which keeps road users safe, can lead to significant reductions in rates of road traffic injuries.

SSTN’s research scope includes three work packages that will support a ‘safe system’ in Nepal and will map to two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; 3.6 (halve global road traffic deaths and injuries) and 11.2 (provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, and improving road safety). The work packages focus on:

 (i) Supporting leadership and action for road safety at local and provincial government levels;
 (ii) Strengthening public transport safety (particularly bus travel); and
 (iii) Improving post-crash care for those with injuries.

Using applied systems thinking methods, we will generate evidence with the potential to inform policy and action.

 Intended outcomes include

  • Identification of system ‘gaps’, a road safety toolkit developed for local and provincial governments,
  • Policy recommendations for safer bus travel,
  • Estimate the economic burden of road traffic injuries on families, and
  • A standardized care pathway for the handover of road traffic injury patients from ambulance staff to hospital services.
Launching Ceremony

A Safe System for Enabling Traffic Injury Prevention in Nepal (SAFETrip Nepal). SSTN with the collaboration of Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) and University of West England (UWE Bristol) is working on a four year project to improve road safety was launched on \on April 26, 2023. The project is scheduled to end on 31st of October, 2026. The project is currently being piloted in 8 different local bodies.

SSTN pilot project area includes following local bodies:

  1. Ratnanagar Muncipality
  2. Kalika Municipality
  3. Galchi Rural Municipality
  4. Belkotgadhi Municipality
  5. Banepa Municipality
  6. Panauti Municipality
  7. Bhimfedi Rural Municipality
  8. Bakaiya Rural Municipality
        Continuous reporting works is going on through local mobilizers.