Vulnerability of spreading corona virus is increasing in Nepal, as 11 new cases were confirmed on 21st April. Presently, total number of Corona virus positive cases are 42, 107 people are in isolation and more than 7067 are in quarantine. Country is locked down for almost a month and increased Covid-19 cases is indicating that lock down is uncertain because of which mainly families with low income, daily wages workers are at high risk of food insecurity.

Considering this emergency situation, Caritas Nepal has been coordinating with local government to support the communities to overcome this crisis. Abiding the instructions and guidelines of government we provided food items to 475 households in 3 rural municipalities of Nawalparashi district. While handing over the materials, Community Disaster Management (CDM) Nepal, our implementing partner of Nawalparshi team oriented all the participants to maintain social distancing and ensured safety by wearing mask, sanitizer and hand globes.

After the spread of corona virus, Caritas Nepal in coordination with the implementing partners initiated rapid need assessment and based on the assessment 12,000 vulnerable households were targeted from 18 different districts. Targeted communities were in high risk zone and mainly households depending on daily wages for their livelihood were supported. After the verification and upon the government request Caritas Nepal initiated emergency relief support and till now among 12,000 targeted households, till today we have reached 3653 households through urgent food items such as rice, oil, salt, lentils and beans.

Similarly, in order to ensure the hygiene and sanitation, WASH kits are being distributed in required locations. As the nature of virus is highly contagious and easily transmitting through respiratory, oral and close contact, we have been emphasizing on production and distribution of masks and hand gloves preventing it from spreading. Awareness campaigns on proper ways to avoid the virus are being conducted through hoarding board installation, radio jingles broadcast, miking announcements and leaflet distributions in almost all working areas of Caritas Nepal.

Caritas Nepal would like to assure that we are faithful on our mission to serve and protect the most vulnerable. We will and always be in front line for the response to COVID-19 crisis and guarantees selfless services to those in most need.