Nepal is struggling to contain an explosion in Covid-19 cases, as fears grow that the situation in the Himalayan country may be as bad, if not worse, than in neighbouring India, with which it shares a long and porous border.*

Following warnings by health officials earlier this week that the country was on the brink of losing control of its outbreak, Nepal has appealed for urgent international help.

Our team in Nepal have requested masks, sanitiser, gloves and face shields to keep people safe and prevent infections, as well as thermal guns and oximeters. They have requested food support for 500 families who will soon start to starve due to the lockdown. They are also trying to source oxygen cylinders.

We are delighted that our partners Namaste UK have kicked off our fundraising campaign with a generous donation of £1,000.

Any help you can give to Nepal at this critical time will be greatly appreciated and used to support those in greatest need. Thank you for standing with us.

* Guardian 6 May 2021