Thanks to the initial response to our Coronavirus Appeal we’ve already been able to support various programmes which are helping the most disadvantaged people in Nepal through these difficult times.

This first series of initiatives will get urgent assistance to about 9,000 people, through programmes now being delivered by four partners across four districts.

Quarantine centres in Mugu and Banke

Your gifts mean that INF Nepal can help people in quarantine centres in Banke and Mugu, as they attempt to travel home – many returning from migrant labour in India.

They’ll get much-needed food, and INF will also provide vital equipment such as wash stations, protective face masks and mosquito nets. People will also be given personal hygiene items including soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Food relief in Nawalparasi

Food package distribution has been a key part of ACN’s response

Food packages are being delivered to 605 households (at least 3,000 people) in Nawalparasi, near the Indian border.

This is being done through Asal Chhimekee Nepal (ACN), which is the social action arm of the Pokhara Christian Community.

Each household will get enough food for about two weeks, including rice, lentils, oil, salt, sugar and soap.

Feeding returning migrant workers in Banke

Sarwangin Sewa Samaj, a church-based network in Banke, Nepal, will give vital food and drink to 2,000 returning migrant workers as they return across the border into Nepal.

They will also feed 15 hospital patients in Nepalgunj with two meals a day for the next 3 months, while ensuring that their volunteers have the equipment to protect themselves from contracting Covid-19.

Wide-ranging support in Bajura

Another aspect of the coronavirus response we’re supporting in Nepal is for people living in the remote, beautiful district of Bajura.

SAHAS Nepal (translated as Group of Helping Hands) is giving nutrition packs to 100 new and pregnant mothers, to help stem a potential rise in childhood mortality.

500 adolescent girls will be given hygiene packs, and 7 hand washing stations will be established at schools and health posts.

They will establish a community-managed coaching centre for children who have missed out on their education since the school year should have started in April.

SAHAS is also providing food and hygiene supplies for people at quarantine centres in Bajura, mostly migrant workers who have travelled home from India.