Locations
UNDP is working with the Government of Nepal and the UN Country Team to support the country's preparedness to face the mounting public health emergency, respond to the socio-economic impact of the protracted lockdown on the most vulnerable, and support longer-term recovery measures.
In terms of health support system, UNDP has been active through its different activities to procure and distribute PPEs, support the assessment of quarantine centers, crisis communication and management and providing support to frontline health workers for protection against COVID-19.
Supporting Local Governments
Under the leadership of Ministry of Health and Population, local authorities are responding to COVID-19. Since, the very beginning of the nationwide lock down, UNDP’s Comprehensive Disaster Management Program (CDRMP) has initiated efforts for effective preparedness and response against COVID-19 with support from EU Humanitarian Aid. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)s have been in short supply and Nepal is no exception. On 2 April, UNDP supported 9000 surgical masks, 3000 gloves, 2000 hand sanitizers, PPE kits & IEC materials to Lalitpur municipality, Bharatpur metropolitan city, Gorkha municipality and Bhimeshor municipality.
UNDP recognized the severity of the situation and took initiatives to aid the local level communicate risk safe practices on public health measures like hand hygiene, sanitation and social distancing and improve their preparedness against COVID-19 at the local level. As part of its support to health support system, UNDP’s field offices hands over sugical masks to the respective local government. Details below:
Province 1
Oct 20,2020. In Province 1, UNDP handed over 1 Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) automated extraction machine,1 oxygen concentrator and 1 ventilator to Ministry of Social Development as part of our ongoing initiative to support local government to contain COVID19.
Province 2
April 20, 2020. UNDP's Janakpur Field Office handed over 2500 surgical masks to Provincial Health Logistic Management Centre.
Oct 18, 2020. UNDP handed over 1 Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) automated extraction machine to Provincial Public Health Laboratory of Province 2 to strengthen PCR test capacity.
Bagmati Province
April 21, 2020 .Simiarly, UNDP also supported 5000 surgical masks to Kirtipur Municipality. Deputy Mayor of the muncipality Ms.Saraswati Rijal Khadka received the masks.
Gandaki Province
November 3, 2020. Ventilator system handed over to Minister for Social Development of Gandaki Province, Nardevi Pun Mangar and Chief of Health Directorate Dr. Binod Bindu Sharma for use at Infectious and Communicable Disease Hospital, Pokhara.
Province 5
UNDP Nepal handed over 1 PCR testing machine to the Provincial Public Health Laboratory of Province 5.
Previously,UNDP's Butwal Field Office handed over 2500 surgical mask to the Ministry of Social Development.
Karnali Province
20 October 2020. UNDP handed over 1 Ventilator and 1 Oxygen Concentrator to Ministry of Social Development Dr. Laxmi N. Tiwari of Karnali Province.
Previously, 5000 surgical masks were also provided the Ministry.
Sudurpaschim Province
August 11, 2020. UNDP handed over 1 Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) automated extraction machine to Office of Ministers and Chief Minister in Sudurpaschim Province to strengthen PCR tests capacity to contain COVID19.
Similary on 30 April 2020, Dhangadhi field office handed over 5,000 surgical masks to Provincial Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) Dhangadhi. Similarly, 5,000 pieces to Bhimdatta and Bedkot Municipality of Kanchanpur district. Recently, additional 60,000 masks handed over to Health Direcotate under Ministry of Social Development.
6 Nov, 2020. UNDP handed over 1 ventilator to Chairperson of Tikapur Hospital Mr. Dipak Rawal Chairperson and Dr. Rem Kumar Rai.
Recognizing the significant role of media in this pandemic, UNDP provided 1300 masks and 650 gloves to the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters and its sister organization Community Information Network (CIN).
12 April 2021. As part of our ongoing initiative to help Nepal respond to #COVID19, UNDP Nepal handed over 22,000 rapid antigen test kits to the Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Population. These test kits will be immediately sent to Sudurpaschim Province and Lumbini Province. UNDP Resident Representative Ayshanie Medagangoda Labe handed over the kits to Dr. Dipendra Raman Singh, Director General of the Department of Health Services.
Supporting Waste Workers
Considering the vulnerability of the waste workers during COVID-19, Médecins du Monde Nepal, in partnership with Kathmandu Metropolitan City, UNDP and Solid Waste Management Association of Nepal, provided locally produced PPEs and preventive gears to 300 waste workers of Kathmandu valley. They were also oriented on proper use of PPEs before and after collecting waste. There are over 1800 formal and informal waste workers in Kathmandu.
11 June 2021. UNDP handed over 400 oxygen concentrators to the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health and Population. Provided as part of UNDP’s emergency COVID response, these machines are expected to help ease the shortage of medical oxygen experienced by hospitals in provinces. Distributed equitably to all the provinces in coordination with MoHP, these machines have already reached to the respective province. More here
