Nepal will receive around $5.4 million in additional funding from Australia to strengthen the country’s response to COVID-19. The funding is part of a $ 13.45 million package to support South Asian countries Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh, reported The Himalayan Times.

“Australia's contribution will boost Nepal's ability to address COVID-19, including through the procurement of essential equipment and health supplies, such as oxygen for provincial hospitals and personal protective equipment for health workers,” A press release by the Australian embassy in Nepal reads. 

Felicity Volk, Australia's Ambassador to Nepal, said Australia was working to support the most heavily impacted communities in Nepal.

"Australia and Nepal have a long-standing friendship and a history of supporting each other during times of crisis. Australia is deeply concerned about the devastating impact that COVID-19 is having across Nepal and the region,” reads the statement.

Funds will be provided to trusted partner groups working on the ground across Nepal, in coordination with the work being undertaken by other donors, including the US, UK, Japan, and UN agencies.