Covid-19: Update from Nepal

In Nepal, the number of positive Covid-19 cases is gradually increasing. As of 26th May 2020, there have been 682 confirmed cases, 109 recovered, and sadly, 4 deaths. Until now, most of the confirmed cases have been returning migrants from India in the southern border districts. 569 are in isolation, with a further 39,000 in quarantine. Detection is being made through Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and screening high-risk populations and geographies. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are used on people who test positive through RDT, those in quarantine, and those who have been in contact with a confirmed case. The national lockdown has been extended to June 2nd but still, large numbers of migrants are returning across the India/Nepal border.  

What is PHASE doing?  

• Our health team have continuously worked to provide essential health services in Gorkha, Bajura, Mugu, Humla, and Sindhulpalchok. Work and activities are being adapted both on current needs and requirements of each area. The risk of lockdown is that people do not seek essential healthcare, which leads to non-coronavirus-related deaths. Our health team has treated 9,410 people in the last quarter both at newly formed ‘Health Desks’ and the community health post.
• Supporting local government in conducting 288 RDT tests – all returning negative. Furthermore, health staff are monitoring 24 people who are quarantined in coordination with local government. 
• Ensuring that women and children have a strong start to life. Due to lockdown and fear of coronavirus, there has been a reduction in the number of pregnant women accessing ANC check-ups and delivering babies in health centres. In the last quarter, the team have delivered 55 babies and delivered family planning, ANC and PNC check-ups, and immunization of children.
• To ensure the protection of our health team and the communities they work in, essential PPE has been provided in the form of N95 masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, and surgical masks. Community awareness and prevention activities are being delivered, in smaller groups and at a safe distance. 
• PHASE Worldwide has secured funding to support 150 people with disabilities in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, with food relief and handwashing materials, distributed to those most affected by the lockdown.  

In the UK, we are continuing our work to secure funding to provide a more comprehensive response to the impact of coronavirus and national lockdown in Nepal. Watch this space for more updates over the summer months.

If you have any specific questions about our work or our response, please don’t hesitate to contact our Director on tom@phaseworldwide.org.