Nepal and ADB sign a $165 Million Loan agreement for the procurement of COVID-19 Vaccines in Nepal

Kathmandu : The Asian Development Bank and the Government of Nepal today signed a $165 Million loan agreement for the Responsive COVID-19 Vaccines for Recovery Project Financed by ADB’S Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility.

The agreement was signed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Madhu Kumar Marasini and ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois.

Secretary Marasini said the important and timely assistance from ADB will support the Government of Nepal’s efforts to purchase safe and effective vaccines and ensure vaccine availability throughout the country.

Likewise, Mr Cauchois said, access to safe and effective vaccines is a key to breaking the chain of Virus transmission, saving lives, accelerating economic and social recovery from the shock of the pandemic and moving towards a resilient recovery.

The ADB assistance will support the Government of Nepal’s National Deployment and Vaccination Plan to procure an estimated 15.9 million doses of COVI-19 vaccines, which will benefit at least 6.8 million people.

In addition to this project, ADB’S ongoing technical assistance grants will support the strengthening of the vaccine delivery system, communication and community engagement to raise awareness on the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination.