In a significant milestone for the global community working towards environmental and public health, Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha has been honored with the esteemed ‘Bill Gates Senior Award 2023.’ This recognition, bestowed upon him by the renowned Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, marks Dr. Shrestha’s outstanding contributions in the field of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WSH).
Outshining over 3,000 employees of the foundation, Dr. Shrestha’s remarkable achievement was announced by Bill Gates himself at a special event in the United States. Despite being in Rwanda for the International Conference on Water and Sanitation, Dr. Shrestha actively participated in the virtual award ceremony, emphasizing the global significance of his contributions.
With a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years, Dr. Shrestha has been a pivotal figure in the environmental, sanitation, and public health sectors. He founded the Environment and Public Health Organization (Enpho) in 1990, where he served as an executive director. His international experience includes notable work through the United Nations in 2005. Since 2012, Dr. Shrestha has been a vital part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, serving as Deputy Director and playing a key role in advancing the foundation’s goals and initiatives.
The ‘Bill Gates Senior Award 2023,’ accompanied by a financial prize of US $100,000 (approximately NRs 1 crore 32 lakh), not only recognizes Dr. Shrestha’s past achievements but also highlights his ongoing commitment and impact in the field. As a leader in the Global Growth and Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, USA, Dr. Shrestha continues to make significant strides in scaling non-sewered sanitation, fecal sludge management, and citywide inclusive sanitation across South Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Shrestha’s journey in the WSH sector began in 1988, and his contributions include the development of innovative sanitation technologies, small-scale wastewater treatment methods, and pioneering eco-homes featuring rainwater harvesting. His academic prowess, with a Ph.D. in Applied Natural Science, further solidifies his expertise in the field.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, renowned for its philanthropic efforts, acknowledges Dr. Shrestha’s pivotal role in driving positive change globally. This recognition stands as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to environmental and public health and Dr. Shrestha’s exceptional contributions in this critical field.