NRCS Kathmandu Committee looks for government, KMC assistance

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Sept. 7: Campaigns against COVID-19, dengue and other life-threatening diseases as well as humanitarian works are the main focus of the Nepal Red Cross, for which it will continue to work with government, non-government and international partners as well as social organisations.

Speaking at the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response: Review and Planning Meeting on Monday, stakeholders vowed to work together for the betterment of the communities at the local, district and national level. The programme was organised by the Nepal Red Cross Society, Kathmandu District Committee, and was inaugurated by Kathmandu Metropolis City Mayor Balendra Shah by putting his signature on a poster in honour of those engaged in the anti-COVID campaigns in the country. Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol also signed the poster.

Shyam Kaji Dotel, the newly elected president of the NRCS Kathmandu District Committee, stated that his committee would continue to conduct all humanitarian works in Kathmandu, including the COVID vaccination drives and campaigns against diseases such as dengue and cholera as well as disasters.

Chair Dotel sought the assistance of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City authorities as well as government bodies so that the campaigns would be successful.

He informed us that his committee carried out various anti-COVID programmes from the very first case of infection that appeared in Nepal. It assisted in the preparation of sanitizer as well as the execution of disinfection and quarantine campaigns.

The distribution of thermal guns at different entry points and supply of water to holding centres, mask distribution, and vaccinating people of various ages, including the parliamentarians, were some of the key activities the NRCS, Kathmandu Committee had conducted. "The COVID vaccination is still available at our district office premises," he said, adding that his committee had assisted the government in administering the vaccine to over 170,000 people.

He, further, said that his committee is ready to move ahead in partnership with the KMC and other municipalities of the Kathmandu district in all kinds of humanitarian and health-related campaigns to benefit the locals of the district.

Herve Gazeau, Programme Coordinator of IFRC and Red Crescent, said that his IFRC, the biggest humanitarian organisation with its networks in 192 countries, felt proud to be working with NRCS and its Kathmandu Committee. The IFRC has worked to build trust over the COVID vaccine by investing in promoting the livelihoods of the affected people and helping mobilise volunteers and schools, clubs and colleges.

He suggested that enhancing partnerships with local bodies such as municipalities would assist in building local resilience against diseases and disasters. "The IFRC is ready to extend its support in this regard."

Nepal Red Cross Society Executive Director Umesh Dhakal presented the overall work being carried out by the NRCS and sought assistance from KMC and the government in dealing with crises like disease outbreaks.

Basant Shrestha, officer of the Health Welfare Division’s Vaccination Branch, highlighted the government and ministry’s role in procuring vaccines and conducting vaccination campaigns across the nation. 

"We have enough vaccines right now and we are happy to work with NRCS and its district committees in carrying out our vaccination programmes," he said.

The Spokesperson of KMC, Nabin Manandhar, informed that the KMC Mayor, Balendra Shah, was ready to extend support to the NRCS Kathmandu committee in its campaigns regarding COVID, dengue, and cholera control and sanitation management.