The goals of this project are to create MD-level physicians trained in toxicology through a prestigious fellowship at Emory University. Additional goals include creating a workforce qualified in Nepal to advance toxicology and poisoning services for Nepalis. This ANMF grant will help us support two MD-level physicians from Nepal to complete a 1-year hybrid Clinical Toxicology Training Program at Emory University, as part of HAPSA’s ongoing partnership with the university.

Following training, fellows will:

• Provide expert consultation through the poison center affiliated with the Poison Center Collaborative
• Lead monthly national toxicology webinars
• Organize an annual poison center conference
• Support expansion of services nationally

The fellows will be required to commit contractually to dedicate at least 2 years post-fellowship, and the entire year during the fellowship, to helping expand poison services in Nepal.

Sustainability

This proposal is designed as a long-term capacity-building initiative, not a one-time training. Sustainability is ensured through:

• Selection of fellows already embedded in Nepal’s health system and involved with the Poison Center Collaborative
• A minimum 2-year service commitment post-training
• Integration into the Poison Center Collaborative
• A train-the-trainer model, where fellows educate others
• Strengthening existing infrastructure (Dhulikhel poison center)

This directly builds on ANMF’s prior investments in the Nepal poison information center and ensures continued development of the field in Nepal. Ultimately, the goal is for these fellows, through the HAPSA and Emory partnership, to develop a fellowship program within Nepal.

Poisoning is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in Nepal, particularly due to pesticide exposure and self-poisoning. Despite this burden, Nepal lacks trained toxicologists, and care is often inconsistent and dependent on international expertise.

The establishment of Nepal’s Poison Information Center, which is currently supported by ANMF as well, has created a strong foundation of service in Nepal. However, a critical gap remains where Nepal lacks appropriately trained human resources to lead and sustain the system.