Germany pledges €100,000 to aid flood-affected communities in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has pledged assistance of 100,000 euros to support communities affected by the devastating floods of September 2024 in Nepal.

Dr Thomas Prinz, German Ambassador to Nepal, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the German government with One Heart Worldwide for a project titled 'Emergency Response and Recovery Plan for Continuation of Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Services in Flood-Affected Areas of Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Kavrepalanchok Districts'. The project aims to provide vital healthcare services in the affected regions, according to a press statement released today.

Surya Bhatta, Co-CEO of One Heart Worldwide, signed the agreement on behalf of the organisation.

For over a decade, One Heart Worldwide has been dedicated to improving access to healthcare for mothers and newborns in remote areas of Nepal. Through this project, One Heart Worldwide will focus on maintaining access to basic health services, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, and delivering emergency supplies to pregnant women, new mothers, and their families in the three most heavily affected districts: Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Kavrepalanchok.

Rautahat, one of Nepal’s poorest districts, is home to a significant Muslim and Dalit population, who have been disproportionately affected by recurring disasters. Frequent floods, fires, and cold waves have made survival increasingly difficult for these vulnerable communities. The recent fires have affected 25 households, leaving 53 people homeless. Similarly, Sarlahi and Kavrepalanchok were heavily affected during the recent floods caused by incessant rains.

The project will provide affected individuals with dignity kits, winterisation materials, hygiene kits, and kitchen utensils, as well as health facility medical equipment and supplies. It will also establish WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) stations at healthcare facilities. The cold season is expected to have a particularly severe impact on pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

“This is an important project for districts heavily affected by the recent disasters. With the harsh winter, we are relieved that the most vulnerable populations are receiving the support they urgently need,” said Ambassador Prinz. “We are pleased to have signed this agreement with the German Embassy. This grant will provide critical assistance to mothers and newborns in these vulnerable communities, ultimately supporting the Government of Nepal’s ongoing efforts,” Bhatta added.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2025, it is reported.

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