KATHMANDU, May 21: Australia has announced to provide $7 million to support Nepal’s COVID-19 response
According to a press statement issued by the Embassy of Australia in Kathmandu, this funding is part of a AUD $17.5 million package to support Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, to strengthen the resilience of the South Asian region.
How to help vulnerable groups
"Australia’s contribution will boost Nepal’s ability to address COVID-19, including through the procurement of essential equipment and health supplies, such as oxygen for provincial hospitals and personal protective equipment for health workers," said a press statement.
This funding will be delivered to our trusted and established partners working on-the-ground across Nepal, in coordination with the work being undertaken by other donors including the US, the UK, Japan and UN agencies. "The Australian Government continues to support the provision of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, including through our support to COVAX," it further said.
Australia’s ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk said Australia is working to support the most heavily impacted communities in Nepal. “Australia and Nepal have a long-standing friendship and a history of supporting each other during times of crisis," she said.
The envoy also said that Australia is deeply concerned about the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having across Nepal and the region. "With this assistance, we will partner with the Government of Nepal to respond to urgent health needs, including providing support to regional hospitals and vulnerable communities,” the statement further said.