For almost 30 years, Nepal has been one of the key areas of global health work conducted within the SCGH, primarily through Kathmandu University (KU) and Dhulikhel Hospital (DH).

Established in 1991, KU is a public institution that offers higher-level education with a vision “to become a world-class university devoted to bringing knowledge and technology to the service of mankind.“ The University works diligently to fulfill societal needs centered around the motto of taking knowledge and skills “from the campus to the community.” Part of KU is the Dhulikhel Hospital, an independent, not for profit, non-government hospital that provides quality health services to underprivileged populations of rural Nepal.

SCGH and Sparkman Scholars have several ongoing research projects in collaboration with KU and DH, focusing on non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and health systems and policies. KUSMS and DH are also a partner site for the NIH-funded Integrated Network of Scholars in Global Health Research Training (INSIGHT) D43 Program, which is coordinated by the SCGH. UAB students and trainees also participate on research projects and plans to expand collaboration between SCGH and KUSMS/DH were established in 2023.