Biography
Dr. Ashish Shrestha is a seasoned public health leader in Nepal, specializing in the management of TB and HIV programs. As Senior Technical Manager for Save the Children’s Global Fund TB Program, he drives Global Fund supported TB program in the country. He provides strategic and technical support to the national TB program, including designing, implementing, and quality assuring national level researches and surveys for TB. Previously, he advised WHO and EpiC Nepal, enhancing diagnostic systems and crisis responses, including post-earthquake TB efforts.
Key Impacts
Real-time monitoring of performance of GeneXpert machines through a locally developed web-based application
GXMIS is low-cost web-based application for real-time monitoring of the performance of the GeneXpert machines, to improve utilization of the machines through real-time reporting of functionality issues and immediate response from service engineers.
Source: Conference 2024
National TB Prevalence Survey in Nepal (2018–2019)
The survey revealed a higher TB burden in Nepal than previously estimated, with significant underreporting and disparities in access to care. The findings underscore the need for expanded use of sensitive diagnostic tools like CXR and Xpert MTB/RIF, improved health service accessibility, and targeted interventions for high-risk groups, including the elderly and those in hard-to-reach areas. Strengthening cross-border collaboration, engaging the private sector, and increasing investments in TB control are critical to achieving Nepal's End TB goals.
Source: Conference 2024