An Appeal For Solidarity And Support To Cope With The Coronavirus (COVID 19) Pandemic In Nepal

While the world is grappling with the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Nepal also starts being affected and five cases are declared till today. The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Nepal are gravely concerned by this situation since the daily lives, health and wellbeing of all the people are badly affected and the situation can be expected to be worse. We also fear that it may result in major setbacks, by pushing more people into poverty, in achieving the development goals and plans adopted by Government of Nepal. However, we appreciate the measures taken by Government of Nepal that includes enforcing nationwide lockdown; and the patience and obedience of the Nepalese people to stay at home in order to contain this pandemic. We also appreciate the tireless effort of medical workers and security personnel who have taken risks while they are committed to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and save the people and the nation from this crisis.

Having been concerned with the impacts the lockdown has caused as well as the potentially more serious impacts if the lockdown is extended and if the COVID-19 spreads, and also having been concerned with the effect the situation can have, particularly in the lives of the poor, wage labor, already sick and vulnerable, NGO Federation of Nepal, on behalf of Nepali Civil Society Organizations of Nepal, appeals Government of Nepal, development partners, international community, private sectors, and everyone concerned to seriously consider and undertake the following measures.

1. The fear of coronavirus has given rise to such a situation that private health institutions and some public ones as well refrain from delivering their health services even in health emergencies for cases other than coronavirus. This is going to have dire consequences to those who were already suffering from some diseases and need regular medicines and follow-ups. Considering this, we urge to continue delivering emergency health services and sale/distribution of medicines possibly by designating certain health centers for dealing with non-coronavirus cases. Besides, it is necessary that the pharmacies remain open with availability of essential medicines.
   
2. As the lockdown period extends, production and distribution of food and daily consumables is becoming more and more complex. Strict monitoring and regulation is necessary against those who increase price taking an unfair advantage of the situation and those who engage in black marketing. While the lockdown goes on, it is essential that essential goods are available in the reasonable price; so we urge the government and private sector to manage this.
   
3. Lockdown has led to many self-employed people particularly in informal sectors as well as daily wage laborers lose their income. The poor, landless and vulnerable are going to be the ones hardest hit by this critical situation. Therefore, we appeal the Government of Nepal and other stakeholders to come up with a relief package as soon as possible in order to save the lives of everyone at the bottom of economic strata. Also, many people are getting in trouble in the border areas, cities and other parts of country due to lockdown. So, government should arrange necessary food, shelter and emergency travel arrangement as per their need to help them reach their hometown.