KATHMANDU, April 13: The UK's Department for International Development (DFID) Nepal has provided a £802,000 grant to help strengthen Nepal's preparedness and response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the DFID Nepal said in a statement on Sunday.

The support will help in increasing Nepal's technical expertise, strengthening sample and laboratory management; disease surveillance and contact tracing; improving infection prevention and control; strengthening information management, and improving the clinical management of cases with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO), according to the press statement.

Additionally, the support will also help provide crucial consultation services of a microbiologist from Public Health England which complements DFID's existing technical assistance to Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population. “The UK's early commitment to tackle the unprecedented challenges presented by this pandemic reflects our strong relationship with the Government of Nepal. We will continue to support Nepal's immediate and long-term needs, focusing now on protecting vulnerable people," the statement quoted Lisa Honan, the head of DFID Nepal, as saying.

Minister for Health and Population Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal said Nepal is grateful for this timely support from the UK to further strengthen Nepal's response to tackle the adverse impacts of the virus.

“The government of Nepal has worked actively to take precautions against the spread of coronavirus in the country," he said.

 
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