COVID-19 leaves community devastated
The number of COVID-19 infections decreased over the last quarter but still many are suffering from the ongoing associated devastating effects of continued lockdowns. Financial difficulties due to loss of daily income left many vulnerable people unable to provide for their families. Something simple such as a gas cylinder given to a disabled family where the father lost his income, changed their lives.
ACN’s COVID-19 relief response has focused on children, pregnant women and new mothers, single parent households and people living with disabilities.
Health promotion activities
To reduce the risk of transmission within a household, health advice continues for those caring for COVID-19 positive persons at home. This includes measuring vital signs, infection control measures, recognition of symptoms and when to seek medical help. Khoji Helpline has been set up for people to call for advice on health, COVID-19 and vaccinations, counselling and resources available.
59 awareness events have been held at Self-Help Groups (SHG), aged care homes and in the community organised by SHGs, local development committees, local leaders and churches in Kaski and Nawalparasi. In Kaski, Gorkha and Nawalparasi, a weekly programme on COVID-19 awareness is aired on FM radio and a COVID-19 Awareness ‘jingle’ played to encourage people not to discriminate against covid infected people in their neighborhoods and provide advice on how to support them while following infection control measures
Food packages for the vulnerable
A coordinated approach between ACN, local government and community leaders and other NGOs have distributed food relief packages to vulnerable households in Kaski and Nawalparasi districts . Each household received 25 kg of rice, 5 kg of flour, 3 kg of lentils, 2 liters of cooking oil, 1 kg of salt, 1 kg of sugar, 1 kg of beans, 1 kg of beaten rice, 1 package of tea leaves, 2 pcs of washing soap and 2 pcs of handwashing soap. This package is usually enough to last a family of four for one month.
Supplies assisting local government facilities
Local government covid facilities and isolation centres have received some essential equipment. This included face masks, face shields, surgical gloves, sanitiser, liquid hand wash, PPE, pulse oximeter, BP sets, thermometers, 2 oxygen concentrators and 4 nebulisers.
Flood response
Water and mud everywhere…Monsoon rains started early this year and have caused flooding and mud slides in several locations in Nepal. ACN in conjunction with local government and other organisations are providing timely effective relief. Flooding continues in Nawalparasi, south Nepal, including communities where ACN is currently working (self help groups, income generation, health promotion, literacy, WASH).
Other ACN activities continue
- Health team supported local fellowships to care for those in their surrounding communities with COVID-19 or chronic illnesses
- 13 young adults (9 male, 4 female) completed one month Barista training course.
- Nawajeewan female drug and alcohol centre has been able to continue to provide residential care for the 6 clients who have nowhere else to go during pandemic, and to remain in contact with ex-clients and those at risk by phone and social media.
How can you help?
If you wish to help with ongoing support for this community, just click on the “Donate to this Project” button on the right sidebar.
