In early May, it became clear that the Delta variant of Covid-19, first discovered in India, had also gained traction in Nepal. The number of Covid-19 infections rose quickly, including in the Nuwakot district, where Laxmi Support has supported various schools in recent years. While there were only a few infections in the beginning, within a few weeks the number rose to over a hundred.

After a successful collection campaign, at the end of May we started providing medical support to infected people in the Nuwakot district, who are in self-isolation at home or in isolation centers provided by the government.

Before traveling to Nuwakot, Ram Thapa stocked up on supplies in Kathmandu, not always easy as due to the large second Covid-19 wave supplies had become scarce. Ram is a pharmacist by profession and works in the hospital, so we were able to purchase most medicines for a discounted price. The aid package consisted of: vitamin B, C, D tablets and zinc tablets to strengthen the immune system, paracetamol, face masks, hand gel, soap, thermometers and oximeters to measure the oxygen level in the blood.

On May 24 Ram traveled to Nuwakot by 4×4 jeep to deliver the items to people’s homes. In two days we were able to reach a total of 112 infected people.

Ram was assisted by his brother, Keshab Thapa, and a health worker from the Nuwakot district (Tarkeshwar Rural Municipality), who was made available to our project for two days.

The 4×4 jeep and driver were kindly provided by the mayor of Tarkeshwar Rural Municipality, Mr. Ramesh Wosti. We are very grateful for this support during these difficult times.

The team wore full protective clothing, which was too hot for this time of year. The roads to the various villages were full of holes and mud, fortunately the skilled local driver managed to drive safely over the slippery roads.

The project was highly appreciated by the villagers of this area, as we went door to door to distribute medicine, measure oxygen levels and provide personal advice. All people appreciated the personal touch and the support during uncertain times. One of the residents infected with Covid-19 reported that his self-confidence and motivation to self-isolate had been strengthened by this personal approach.

This project was picked up by Nepalese television. See the report here YouTube. A big thank you goes out to our sponsors, who made it possible to implement this project on a large scale. We are forever grateful.