Dear Friend,

 

As you all may know very well, the COVID situation in Nepal is dire.

 

With a health system that is overburdened, our friends and family in Nepal have been calling for a mass vaccination campaign, which is the only meaningful thing that can prevent a humanitarian crisis there. 

 

This week, after much public pressure, the US government has stated that Nepal is a top priority.  But we need action from the US: it has the power to immediately export its supply of extra COVID-19 vaccine doses to Nepal. While the US has pledged to send funds and other supplies (including diagnostic supplies), Nepal needs a mass vaccination campaign now.

 

This support should also include direct supplies of oxygen, oxygen-related equipment, medical equipment, and economic relief. However, we believe that a thorough and immediate vaccine campaign is the only true solution to the crisis. This is where we need your help today: 

 

1. Sign this petition and share it with your network.

2. Call the Senators (see below) on the Foreign Relations Committee TODAY as they are close to making a decision.

 

This is a Senate Committee that is focused on influencing the US’s foreign policy, including toward Nepal. Please call these senators to urge the US government to send vaccines to Nepal immediately.

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Direct supply of oxygen, oxygen-related related equipment, and essential supplies for hospitals are also crucial. If you live in any of the States that they represent, please call your representative. Otherwise, please call your own senator and other members of the South Asia Sub-Committee. If they do not answer, please leave a voicemail.

 

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SAMPLE SCRIPT:

 

Hi, 

 

My name is _______, and I live in ________. [I have family and friends in Nepal who are experiencing the horrifying consequences of the COVID surge there].

 

I’m calling to urge Senator ___________ to help prevent a humanitarian crisis in Nepal. I am asking that Senator  ________ immediately urge the Biden Administration to export its surplus supply of COVID vaccines to Nepal. Direct supply of oxygen, oxygen-related related equipment, and essential supplies for hospitals is also of crucial importance.

 

The US State Department said that the US would make a decision in the coming days about where it will send its extra vaccine doses. A direct and immediate supply of vaccines to Nepal is the only thing that will stop the public health crisis there. While funding and diagnostic supplies from USAID are helpful, the country will see immense loss of life and suffering without a widespread vaccination campaign.  

 

Only 1% of the population of Nepal is currently fully vaccinated. Nepal is dependent upon supply from countries like India, which is not exporting vaccines right now.

 

 

We request that you urge the Biden Administration to affirm the 70-year partnership between the U.S. and Nepal by providing life-saving COVID vaccines and direct supplies. 

 

 

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Thank you, 

 

Pabitra Khati Benjamin,

Executive Director, Adhikaar