Today, CWIN-Nepal formally handed over Nepal’s inaugural Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health Unit to the management of Kanti Children’s Hospital. A special ceremony marking this milestone took place at the hospital premises.

Established in 2015 in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, the unit stands as an example of the collaborative efforts between Kanti Children’s Hospital and CWIN-Nepal. Initially beginning as a modest outpatient department, it has grown into a robust national child mental health service over the years.

CWIN-Nepal, along with its longstanding partner FORUT Norway (supported by the Norwegian Psychiatric Association and Touch Ireland), pioneered Nepal’s first child psychiatry and mental health unit. They constructed a dedicated facility for outpatient and inpatient services, including a therapeutic garden within Kanti Children’s Hospital premises. Outstanding support from the Ministry of Health and Population and Kanti Children’s Hospital has been pivotal in fostering the unit’s progress and expansion.

The handover signifies the transfer of ownership of the child mental health system jointly by the Ministry of Health and Population and Kanti Children’s Hospital.

Speakers at the handover ceremony reflected on the unit’s journey since inception and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nepal’s child mental health system. Over the years, the unit has provided effective services to over 200,000 children and adolescents through initiatives such as outpatient services, outreach programs, and training in child mental health.