Since mid-January, the Omicron variant has been surging in Nepal and over 9,000 new cases have been reported in one day at the end of January.

The government continues to place infection control measures such as traffic regulations to limit outdoor activities and requiring proof of vaccination to enter public buildings. Availability of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other hygiene items have improved as international aid and supply chains recover in the country. However, oxygen plants for treating COVID-19 patients and life-saving treatment have been lacking in hospitals, especially in rural areas.

On February 7, 2022, with funding from the Government of Japan, A-PAD’s liaison office in Nepal donated one oxygen plant to a public hospital in Sankhuwasabha District. The hospital representative thanked A-PAD and the people of Japan, “With the installation of this plant, we can now supply oxygen to 25 beds in the ICU. In the midst of this COVID-19 surge, we really appreciate this timely assistance.”