My wife has been concerned in the news recently how it has been reported there seem to be some problems with Nepalis who have already received the first vaccination in getting the second one. I am aware that quite a few nations have considered the rolling out of a single dose (not the Johnson & Johnson one) in hopes of getting ahead of the virus’s spread. That does not readily appear to be an issue here as the number of new cases per day has overwhelmingly been reduced to such a degree most are living as if the virus is clearly in the past. Previously, through the World Banks COVAX program, Nepal was afforded thankfully USD 29 million for acquiring vaccinations on top of what has been pouring in from India’s efforts to assist in donating supplies as the manufacturer of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine worldwide known here locally in South Asia as Covi-Shield.
This is the only vaccine approved in Nepal. A poor attempt by a Bahraini prince to bring in 2,000 doses of China’s Sinovac has created some problems. Bahrain typically wishes to visit and climb the Himalayas. The Spring season has opened up Nepal to renewed tourism. They also host many migrant workers from Nepal. It was a good gesture not well implemented as that vaccine has yet to be approved here.
Today, Nepal is blessed with the further announcement of an additional $75 million USD. Through this program, Nepal can vaccinate its population and stay ahead of any further outbreaks from newer strains of the virus, even as it welcomes tourists to try and re-invigorate the flailing economy here. This definitely bodes well if the current Nepali administration can appropriately take advantage of such goodwill and put it to use for the welfare of the general populace. While my father-in-law has gotten his first vaccination, we know of no one else who has received it as it is still taking a long time getting it rolled out to more of the general population.
We do salute those who are trying to help Nepal and many other nations of the world at risk in times like these to get beyond the problems the pandemic has created. It is so lovely to see the world coming together in times like these to help one another. With the increase in tourism on the rise, chances for newer viral strains increase. It is hoped the vaccinations will reduce the risks involved allowing Nepal to return to a better normal that lends itself to ascending from the depths in which it was already succumbing.
