My journey from a Himalayan village to a global classroom at Greenwich is testament to the transformative power of education,” Krishna reflects. “Every lecture, every discussion and every connection here is helping me shape a future where rural communities in Nepal and similar settings around the world can access equitable and inclusive healthcare services.”
Born and raised in western Nepal, it was observing the lack of birthing centres or basic healthcare services for marginalised communities living in rural regions that kickstarted Krishna’s interest in public health. In his mountain village, limited transport, underreported maternal and child mortality, early marriage, teenage pregnancies, and child malnutrition disproportionately affected adolescent girls and young women, leaving a lasting impression on Krishna.
“If someone became ill - even during delivery - they relied on traditional and risky home remedies. Witnessing these injustices and inequalities in the healthcare system from my childhood, I made a promise to myself that I would work to transform rural health in Nepal in the future,” he recalls.
That promise led Krishna to Nepal’s largest city, Kathmandu, where he pursued an undergraduate degree in public health at Purbanchal University. As well as opening his eyes to the importance of public health and structural challenges in Nepal’s health system, it also led Krishna realise that he needed “further community experiences and global exposure to make a more meaningful impact.”
After graduating, Krishna worked in partnership with the local government through One Heart Worldwide between 2021-2024, a locally led non-profit dedicated to improving maternal and neonatal health in Nepal. “I was deeply involved in strengthening the local health care system and equipping birthing centres. I trained hundreds of frontline health workers and policy makers as well as local elected body representatives. I also implemented community-based interventions in some of the most underserved hilly regions of the country.”
Earlier this year, Krishna also worked with humanitarian organisation Médecins du Monde, focusing on occupational health and safety for waste workers. It was here he supported the local government with policy advocacy and the dissemination of Nepal’s first-ever Occupational Health and Safety Policy Guideline for Waste Workers.
While Krishna describes these experiences as transformative, it led to a realisation that there were huge systemic gaps in Nepal’s healthcare system. “Challenges included the limited use of data in decision-making, under-resourced facilities and disjointed coordination between local and federal health authorities. These demonstrated the urgent need for evidence-based planning, stronger health leadership, and sustainable policy reforms. This realisation ultimately led me to pursue further education.”
Following a successful application, Krishna is now one of the faculty’s five Chevening Scholars we’ve welcomed to our MSc programmes. Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. The scholars demonstrate potential to become future leaders and decision-makers.
“At Greenwich, I’ve found a nurturing space to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and build lifelong networks. Meeting new people with the same dreams, passion, and dedication was another level of excitement. The university’s emphasis on practical learning and global collaboration has empowered me to think beyond borders and brainstorm solutions that are both innovative and inclusive.”
After graduating, Krishna plans to return to Nepal where he hopes to revitalise the community healthcare system, equipped with the skills and knowledge he’s gained from his postgraduate degree at Greenwich. “Receiving the Chevening Award and joining Greenwich has been the proudest moment of my life,” he reflects. “The experience has deepened my understanding of global public health and strengthened my resolve to advocate for impactful change in my country and communities.”
He adds: “I am confident that through the MSc Global Public Health course, I will continue to hone my leadership skills to influence decision-makers in promoting rural health and rights in Nepal and beyond. I am deeply grateful to the University of Greenwich for being a part of this journey. For me, Greenwich isn’t just an academic institution - it’s a launchpad for dreams, a hub for changemakers and a place where stories like mine find a voice.”
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