Buddha Basnyat

Dr Basnyat is a distinguished physician and clinical researcher whose career spans over five decades. He was recently honored with the Nepal Health Research Councils (NHRC) Lifetime Achievement Award for Health Research in Nepal, recognising his exceptional contributions to medical science and public health.

Dr Basnyat has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of infectious diseases and high-altitude medicine, both in Nepal and globally. His pioneering work includes landmark randomised controlled trials on typhoid vaccines that influenced WHO recommendations, and the identification of scrub typhus as a major cause of febrile illness in Nepal, leading to nationwide changes in diagnosis and treatment.

In addition, he has spearheaded landmark typhoid treatment trials which changed therapy. As a leading expert in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), his research has shaped Nepal’s National Antibiotic Guidelines, promoting rational drug use in low-resource settings.

In 2003, he co-founded OUCRU Nepal with Prof. Sir Jeremy Farrar and served as its director until 2022. He also leads the Travel and Mountain Medicine Centre and the Himalayan Rescue Association where his work has significantly improved the management of altitude-related illnesses.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr Basnyat is a dedicated mentor, fostering the growth of Nepal’s next generation of clinician-scientists and building a sustainable research community. His role as Honorary Consul of Canada to Nepal further reflects his commitment to international collaboration. Dr Basnyat’s legacy is defined by his tireless dedication to science, mentorship, and public health, making him a transformative figure in Nepal’s medical landscape.