ADB approves $165 million loan for COVID-19 vaccines in Nepal

KATHMANDU: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday approved a loan of $165 million (equivalent to Rs 19.8 billion) for the Government of Nepal to purchase safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The project will support the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan in Nepal by procuring an estimated 15.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which will benefit about 6.8 million Nepalese, according to a press statement issued by the Manila-based ADB Headquarters.

“ADB’s support will help the Government of Nepal procure much-needed COVID-19 vaccines to protect its citizens from the further spread of this disease,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa.

The ADB President said: “It is essential that COVID-19 vaccines are quickly purchased and administered to help get the economy back on track by enabling the restoration of livelihoods and economic activities, as well as the resumption of educational and human development pursuits.”