Nepal is set to receive Rs 8.59 billion in vaccine assistance from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, by 2030 for its national regular immunization program. This significant aid follows diplomatic initiatives and dialogues led by Health and Food Hygiene Minister Nisha Mehta.
In addition to the future aid, Nepal has successfully secured a waiver of $308,271 that it was previously required to return. This amount was identified during an audit of Gavi’s assistance to Nepal’s regular immunization program from fiscal years 2016/17 to 2021/22, due to procedural errors.
Minister Mehta’s efforts and engagement with Gavi are expected to significantly contribute to the financial management of Nepal’s national immunization program. The program plays a crucial role in protecting children and target populations from various infectious diseases. International support is vital for maintaining the continuity, access, and effectiveness of regular immunization services. Nepal has collaborated with Gavi since 2001, receiving over $550 million in aid to date.
Meanwhile, contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund continue to grow following the Bhote Koshi floods in Rasuwa. As of 9 AM on Kartik 10 (BS), the total balance in the funds reached Rs 18.09 billion, according to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Of this, Rs 13.48 billion is held in nine commercial banks under the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Additionally, $30.49 million has been deposited in Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank.
The Shri Pashupatinath Foundation America, active in Southern California, contributed Rs 14.8 million to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by the Bhote Koshi floods. According to Bimal Shrestha, president of the foundation, $99,064 (Rs 15.1 million) was collected from the Nepali community in the US. After deducting bank fees, $97,875 (Rs 14.8 million) was deposited into the fund.
Shrestha announced the transfer of funds during a Zoom event organized with the Nepali Embassy in Washington D.C., attended by foundation officials, representatives of various organizations, and other dignitaries. The foundation acknowledged the significant contributions of various organizations and individuals in Southern California.
Previously, NASO Community America sent $7,000 (Rs 1.03 million) to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund on Ashoj 17 (BS). The America Nepal Helping Society (ANHS) also handed over $92,964 (approximately Rs 14.2 million) collected for the relief and rehabilitation of Bhote Koshi flood victims to the Nepal government.
The Bhote Koshi River floods in Rasuwa on Bhadra 10 (BS) caused an estimated Rs 79.17 billion in damage to private property alone, according to a preliminary assessment. The floods directly affected 32,872 people, and 1,638 commercial establishments were damaged across four districts.
Two months after the floods, the rehabilitation of displaced individuals remains uncertain, leading many to return to their original areas. A Cabinet meeting on Bhadra 26 (BS) decided to provide monthly financial assistance for a maximum of six months to displaced families until alternative housing arrangements are made.
The National Planning Commission decided on Bhadra 12 (BS) to prepare a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report. This report aims to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses and damages, determine financial needs, and develop a reconstruction plan.
Exact details are still unavailable regarding how many displaced families have received house rent assistance, how many have returned to their old homes, and how many are living in other shelters, according to a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority report from Ashoj 30 (BS). Furthermore, clear decisions on the technical inspection and rehabilitation of homes in flood-affected areas, and the timeline for river control work, have not yet been announced.
