KATHMANDU: Australia has provided an additional AUD $7 million (NPR 635 million) in funding to Nepal to support the response to COVID-19.

This funding is part of a AUD $17.5 million package to support Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, to strengthen the resilience of the South Asian region, a statement issued by the Embassy here said.

Australia’s contribution will boost Nepal’s ability to address COVID-19, including through the procurement of essential equipment and health supplies, such as oxygen for provincial hospitals and personal protective equipment for health workers, it added.

According to the Embassy, this funding will be delivered to our trusted and established partners working on-the-ground across Nepal, in coordination with the work being undertaken by other donors including the US, UK, Japan and UN agencies.

The Australian Government continues to support the provision of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, including through our support to COVAX, it said.

Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk said Australia is working to support the most heavily impacted communities in Nepal.

“Australia and Nepal have a long-standing friendship and a history of supporting each other during times of crisis,” she said adding that Australia is deeply concerned about the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having across Nepal and the region.

“With this assistance, we will partner with the Government of Nepal to respond to urgent health needs, including providing support to regional hospitals and vulnerable communities,” she added.

“The people of Nepal are in the hearts and minds of the Australian Government and its people.”