The COVID-19 Crisis in Nepal
May 20, 2021 - Possible
Dear Friends,
During this time of great suffering and uncertainty in Nepal, we are ever-grateful for our community of supporters around the world.
Across the subcontinent, people are dying in rural and urban areas alike for lack of basic medical treatment. Like the devastating 2015 earthquakes, the present COVID-19 humanitarian crisis in Nepal was both highly predictable and without a bold intervention, will, tragically, recur.
There are four key components of the COVID-19 response:
- Humane shelter at home
- Disaster relief, oxygen, and other supplies for hospitals
- Vaccine access for all
- Long-term strengthening of the health system
Humane shelter at home policies represent the single greatest public health measure to prevent deaths. The global health community needs to mobilize funding and support strategies that enable social distancing measures while protecting the most marginalized from livelihood loss, social isolation, and starvation.
Disaster relief requires mass mobilization of resources. When some of us found ourselves in the epicentre in New York City last spring, we required the national guard, federal relief agencies, and the military. Bilateral and multilateral agencies need to step up in solidarity with Nepal.
Ultimately reaching everyone with effective COVID-19 vaccines is essential. The Biden administration’s support of an intellectual property waiver was a necessary first step towards an equitable vaccine distribution program, but we need to continue to push for the ramped up manufacturing and release of these vaccines to Nepal. We know Nepal can deliver vaccines equitably and effectively.
While we urgently mobilize resources for the current crisis, we must also leverage today’s actions in support of positive long-term structural changes to address health injustices.
As Possible supports its partners and the communities we work in, here is how you can support:
- Sign this petition lobbying the US government for more assistance
- Donate to Possible’s partners in Nepal
Please take care of yourselves, your communities, and families during these challenging times.
In solidarity,
Possible team and Board of Directors