Kathmandu: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) continues its humanitarian support to Nepal’s Covid-19 pandemic response by providing additional lifesaving supplies.
UNFPA Deputy Representative Dr Hashina Begum on Monday handed over the oxygen cylinders worth Rs 11.9 million (equivalent to USD 100,000) to the Director of Management Division under the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Dr. Bhim Singh Tinkari.
This support from UNFPA to Nepal was made possible under the existing South-South and Triangular Cooperation Project agreement between Nepal, China, and UNFPA, UNFPA said in a press release.
As Nepal is battling the second wave of COVID-19, the country experienced a critical shortage of oxygen. The pandemic has put enormous pressure on health facilities across the country.
“We require oxygen supplies to respond to the current emergency as well as to prepare for a possible third wave. This support from the Government of China and UNFPA will help increase access to health facilities with functioning oxygen supplies,” said Dr. Tinkari. “We appreciate our partnership with international development partners in our collective COVID-19 response efforts.”
The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on vulnerable populations including women of reproductive age who are facing greater barriers in accessing maternal health and family planning services, resulting in an increased number of home deliveries, reads the press release.
“While we are providing the critical support to the COVID-19 response efforts, we must ensure continuity of reproductive health services including consistent supply of contraceptives and essential reproductive health commodities to mitigate the impact of the unprecedented pandemic on women and girls,” said UNFPA Representative to Nepal Lubna Baqi.
UNFPA is working with federal, provincial, and local governments and partners to ensure that special and unique needs of women and girls of reproductive age are addressed, the press release stated. “Thanks to the Government of China for their timely support under the maternal health program in providing the oxygen cylinders to save lives at this critical time,” Baqi noted.
Comment