The US government has provided Nepal with the first batch of emergency aid to help the Himalayan nation fight the Covid-19 pandemic while protecting its health care workers, The Himalayan Times reported.

The aid was given through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and it was the first of the three chartered aircrafts arriving with medical equipment assistance over the next two days, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The materials handed over as the first consignment include surgical masks, face shields and gloves. This is in addition to the earlier support received from USAID including 100 ventilators, Covid-19 testing facilities and equipment, oxygen-related materials, personal protection equipment (PPEs) and other life-saving medical supplies.

Another1,000 oxygen cylinders will be handed over to the Ministry of Health and Population.

(SAM)