May 5, 2021

The Honorable Randy Berry

Ambassador of the United States

United States Embassy

Kathmandu, Nepal

RE: Vaccines For Nepal

Dear Ambassador Berry,

We approach you as a group of Nepali nationals and US Citizens who share a deep appreciation for the special relationship shared between our two nations. We are certain that you must share our deep distress and concern over the recent rapid and deadly escalation of COVID-19 cases in Nepal. The heroic efforts of so many medical and frontline workers are inspiring, but Nepal is dangerously under-equipped to handle the crisis. The loss of life and economic devastation that is predicted over the coming weeks and months are of a scale that is difficult to imagine.

Nepal now has among the highest viral reproduction rates in the world. In some regions, as many as 90% of tests are returning positive. The Health Ministry has predicted that by July 15  new case numbers could reach 800,000 people – resulting in ten critically ill patients for each available ICU bed. Hospitals are already overwhelmed and soon patients will start dying for lack of basic resources such as oxygen. Nepal is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.

We are writing because the United States has the means to dramatically reduce the loss of life and suffering that awaits Nepal in the coming weeks and months. The recent announcement of $8.5 million in funding for PPE and other equipment is welcome, however, this alone is unlikely to head off this crisis. Nepal urgently needs COVID vaccines in order to make a meaningful impact. With only 4% of the population having received at least one dose and with India deep in crisis, it is unlikely that Nepal will receive more vaccines from what was previously its primary source. We, therefore, request that the United States government immediately release at least 12 million doses of vaccine to the Government of Nepal to assist it in protecting the population. America’s timely action will save hundreds of thousands of people from unnecessary suffering and death, and reduce the long-term impacts of poverty and lost development.

Our two nations have shared a long history of mutual cooperation in public health that goes back over half a century. By ensuring timely delivery of vaccines for Nepal you will be adding an important chapter to that history.

Yours sincerely,