Canadian Red Cross

Purpose

May 2021 – The COVID-19 situation in Nepal has evolved rapidly, following the pace of the pandemic in neighbouring India. The number of new cases reported each day has skyrocketed from under 100 in early March to a record of over 9,000 by mid-May 2021. Health facilities in Nepal are becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and in many cities, are turning patients away. Data from both the Red Cross and the Ministry of Health and Population indicate that health and WASH services are the greatest need, including access to essential supplies (oxygen, testing supplies, critical care medicines and supplies), temporary hospitals, and PPE. Hand washing stations in health care facilities is also a significant need. With GAC’s support, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) working with the Canadian Red Cross will support the Nepal Red Cross Society in responding to urgent needs brought on by the most recent wave of the pandemic. Project activities include: (1) expanding and improving essential health services, including ambulance services for COVID-19 cases, blood transfusions, and installation of WASH hardware; (2) providing livelihood support for the most affected populations, particularly through cash and voucher modalities; and (3) implementing risk communication and hygiene promotion activities within the community.