KATHMANDU, March 7: The United States government on Friday handed over vital personal protective equipment (PPE) to supplement the Nepal government’s ongoing efforts to contain the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The USAID provided the PPE in response to a request from the Ministry of Health and Population.
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According to a press statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu, the donated PPE includes 3,000 face masks, 2,500 face shields, 2,000 shoe covers, 2,100 surgical caps, 1,000 trousers and tunics, and 10 thermo flash thermometers.
“These supplies will be used to protect health workers during treatment of any suspected COVID-19 cases at designated hospitals. A portion of these donated supplies will also be pre-positioned at existing national and regional warehouses across Nepal by the Ministry of Health and Population to respond in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the country,” said the statement.
Earlier, on February 18, the US government’s Office of Defense Cooperation had handed over seven sets of medical personal protection equipment, 400 sets of latex gloves, and 110 biohazard bags to the Nepal Army to assist with the quarantine of students evacuated from the city of Wuhan. The supplies were provided by the Walter Reed Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences unit in Nepal.
“USAID is proud to continue our partnership with the Government of Nepal in its efforts to contain COVID-19. The donated PPE supplies reiterates the United States government’s long-term commitment to making sure all Nepali people have access to quality, lifesaving health services,” the statement quoted USAID/Nepal Acting Mission Director Adriana Hayes as saying.
Speaking during the handover, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population, Yadav Koirala, said that these critical supplies were very timely. He said that their use would help protect health workers who are at the frontlines working tirelessly to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Nepal.
