Kathmandu [Nepal], February 27 – Asian Development Bank (ADB) in partnership with UNICEF has provided critically needed medical supplies for healthcare staff and others who are on the frontline of Covid-19 response efforts in Nepal.
These supplies were procured by UNICEF in direct response to the needs identified by the Ministry of Health and Population.
“We thank ADB for this partnership which has enabled UNICEF to apply its technical expertise to procure and deliver essential protective equipment at this critical time, to strengthen Nepal’s capacity to save lives,” said Elike Wish, UNICEF representative for Nepal.
“Together we can help protect the most vulnerable in society, including children and young people. The coveralls and other critically needed personal protection equipment have been delivered to 29 satellite hospitals across the country.
Sagar Rajbhandari, Director at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, said the institution has been working as a Covid-19 dedicated hospital. The infection rate of the hospital staff is at a minimum.
“Frontline healthcare workers in Nepal are playing a critical role in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19),” he said. Protecting frontline health workers so they can continue to cater to patients is one of the first steps in fighting a pandemic, said Rajbhandari.
Rudi Van Dael, Principal Portfolio Management Specialist at ADB Nepal said: “We are very pleased to collaborate with UNICEF Nepal to get critically needed medical supplies for healthcare staff and others who are on the frontline of response efforts in Nepal, to reduce the risks they face in their everyday life-saving job.”
ADB continues to working closely with the government of Nepal to support its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.