Kathmandu, Sept. 2 -- Nepal reported the first death of a medical worker from Covid-19 last week, a 35-year-old health assistant in Mahottari district. Across the country, over 500healthcare providersincluding doctors, nurses and lab technicians have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

But instead of crediting them for putting their own lives on the line at the frontlines of the war against the pandemic, heath workers in Nepalare being ostracised,publicly humiliated, and sometimes threatened by landlords and neighbours who fear that they will spread the virus.

Even as they battle community transmission, in many cases it is the community itself that has turned againstmedical personnel.

Over 20 staff at Bayalpata Hospital in Achham district ...