Opening Ceremony of “Nepal Mask Campaign”
COVID 19 Rapid Action Taskforce (C19 RAT) kicked off ‘Nepal Mask Campaign’ amidst an opening ceremony organized by Madhyapur Thimi Municipality on 16th August, 2021 at Duipokhari, Ward no 4, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, Bhaktapur. The event was led by Mayor’s Forum with the support of COVID 19 Rapid Action Taskforce (C19 RAT).
‘Nepal Mask Campaign’ by C-19 RAT is a pilot program against COVID-19 infection formed under technical assistance from BMGF under the leadership of the Kathmandu Valley Mayor’s Forum, Municipal Association of Nepal, and National Association of Rural Municipalities of Nepal. C-19 RAT is a consortium of socially active organizations consisting of ENPHO, BEFON, CREASION Nepal, GUTHI, The Small Earth Nepal and Innovative Solution Pvt. Ltd. to fight against COVID-19 in Nepal.
The Nepal Mask Campaign began with the slogan ‘let’s wear masks, let’s save each other’s lives’ amidst a formal event chaired by, Mr. Madan Sundar Shrestha, Mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality. Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City resided as the chief guests for the program. Mr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director, Bills and Gates Foundation; Ms. Preeti Adhikary, Yale University; Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Executive Director, ENPHO; Mr. Dhiraj Pradhananga, President, The Small Earth Nepal; Ms. Mandika Madikarmi, Deputy Mayor, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality; Mr. Kumar Shrestha, Chairperson, Ward-4, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality; Mr. Manday Kaji Shrestha, Gold Medalist – Karate; Ms. Santoshi Shrestha, Gold Medalist- Athletes, and other representatives from Ward-4 resided as guests for the event.
Marking the opening of Nepal Mask Project, Chairperson Chief Guest during the event formally handed over the bag-pack to the volunteers of the project to mobilize in the community.
During a special remark, Mr. Roshan Raj Shrestha highlighted the key role of municipal representatives to bring about change in the behaviour of people within their community. He also extended his best wishes to Madhaypur Thimi Municipality for coming up as a model municipality to promote the proper use of mask and for making the project successful.
Moreover, Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metroplitan City, appreciate the contribution of every individual and organization in raising awareness on the preventive measures of COVID 19.
Mr. Madan Sundar Shrestha, Mayor of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality said, “I believe that we will be able to implement Nepal Mask Project successfully and this will contribute in preventing the third wave of COVID 19. I also consider that this project through distribution, sensitization will help understand the importance of proper use of mask and will assist to bring about change in behaviour of community. I am grateful to all the supporting organization for coming up with this initiation and helping us combat COVID 19”.
