KATHMANDU, MAY 21

Australia on Friday said that it will provide an additional AUD 7 million (NRs 635 million) in funding to support Nepal's response to Covid-19.

Issuing a press release today, the Australian embassy in Nepal said that the fund is part of an AUD 17.5 million package to support Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, to strengthen the resilience of the South Asian region.

The release further hoped that Australia's contribution will boost Nepal's ability to address Covid-19 situation, including through the procurement of essential equipment and health supplies, such as oxygen for provincial hospitals and personal protective equipment for health workers.

This funding will be delivered to the 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 release added.

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

Australia and Nepal have a long-standing friendship and a history of supporting each other during times of crisis. 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,' said Felicity Volk, Australian Ambassador to Nepal in the statement.

'The people of Nepal are in the hearts and minds of the Australian government and its people,' Ambassador Volk added.