Nepal’s earthquake: The country’s struggles with effective public health response amidst international politics and cultural conflicts

Abstract

Aim: This paper examines the interplay of geopolitical and humanitarian responses to the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, a devastating 7.9-magnitude earthquake that resulted in nearly 9,000 deaths and 22,000 injuries.

Methods: Historical methodology used primary sources from the World Health Organization, USAID, and the voices of nurses who responded on the ground. Secondary sources included disaster nursing and international relations literature.

Results: Much of the disaster response involved local Nepali people who worked to take care of their own. Nurses and other aid workers from various countries also treated patients and distributed sufficient food and supplies.

Conclusions: Tensions over nation-state boundaries affected the response, but in the end, relief was a joint effort, with international, national, and local organizations teaming up to provide health care.