Save Nepal Global Alliance’s help to battle COVID-19 pandemic

KATHMANDU, June 6: Dozens of celebrities, national figures and Nepali nationals across the globe have come together to join hands with ‘Save Nepal Global Alliance’ to support Nepal to battle the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Nepal has largely been hit by the second wave of COVID-19. The fragile health sector of the country has already been shattered by the pandemic. Hospitals are lacking medical oxygen for treatment across the country. People are succumbing to COVID-19 due to lack of medical treatment.

A global alliance of professional and social organizations, individuals, celebrities and influencers in Nepal and in foreign land has come together in the fight against the pandemic.

Former Nepal Cricket Team captain Paras Khadka, Nepali and Bollywood Actress Manisha Koirala, popular actor and director Nischal Basnet, BBC's one of the 100 most influential women Sapana Roka Magar, Miss Nepal 2020 Namrata Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2003 Priti Sitoula Rajbanshi, Miss Nepal 2018 Shrinkhala Khatiwada, Miss Nepal World 2011 Malina Joshi, beloved pilot, actor and popular vlogger Captain Vijay Lama, the host of popular podcast “The Deepesh Show” Deepesh Shrestha are among some national and international figures joining this noble cause.

Initially, Pukar Bam, Nepal coordinator of the Save Nepal Global Alliance, also a Co-founder ( Institute For Nepal ) and National coordinator of Hamro Sano Prayas Nepal and Pragati Ghimire, international coordinator of Alliance and Co-founder of Institute For Nepal) were acting against COVID-19 and various other issues through their own organizations Hamro Sano Prayas and Institute for Nepal respectively.

National and International organizations working solely against the pandemic was not enough to battle the pandemic. There was a need for a global alliance to fight a global pandemic which gave rise to the concept of ‘Save Nepal Global Alliance’, according to Bam. “It was difficult in the beginning but in no time, dozens of national figures here and abroad joined our cause. So far, we have been able to collect almost USD 60,000 through Save Nepal Global Fund ,” he added.

Former captain of the national cricket team, Paras Khadka was the first to donate Rs 100,000 and join the cause. “It was such a good effort to bring people together against COVID-19 so I didn’t give a second thought about joining this alliance,” Khadka said. “It is not how much you contribute, it is what you can contribute,” he added.

Recently, the alliance has handed over 100 oxygen concentrators to Nepal Police, the deployment partner of the alliance, for its distribution across the remote districts of the country in the first phase. “We are preparing to distribute medical equipment, PPEs and other essentials to remote areas in the next phase mainly in Solukhumbu, Darchula, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Doti, Baitadi and Karnali region,” said Bam.

Besides, the alliance is hugely investing in COVID-19 vaccine procurement and diplomacy. The alliance has been successful in raising issues of vaccines in parliaments of the USA and New Zealand. “The representatives of the alliance are also making their efforts in Finland, France, Switzerland and Canada. Our next huge investment will be in COVID-19 vaccine for Nepal,” said Bam.

The alliance is also supplying essential medical equipment through helicopters in remote areas which have no access to roads. “In collaboration with some helicopter companies, we are supplying essentials and taking doctors and health workers for counseling as well,” Bam said.

“I am proud and extremely glad to join such an enthusiastic and young group of people and Nepal Police and make my presence to help my country battle the pandemic, '' said Namrata Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2020. “It is such a big deal.”

“Save Nepal Global Alliance has proved that nothing is impossible to achieve if we come together and join our hands. I am happy to join and urge one and all, NGOs and INGOs to join this noble cause,” said Captain Bijay Lama. “Every penny you donate is accountable here.”

The alliance is raising funds all over the world to send essential items/equipment and much needed help to the most affected parts of Nepal. One can join this noble cause by visiting https://gofund.me/d1e3b662 or deposit the amount at Nepal Bank Limited, Urlabari Branch, Current Account : 09900106454110000001, Account holder name : Pulmonary Hypertension Association.