Kathmandu, May 6 -- The second wave of Covid-19 is breaking across Nepal with devastating effect. Fueled by new and deadly variants, thevirus is replicating faster here than in India(when adjusted for population) and arguably anywhere else on the planet. Our health systems are already overwhelmed and the economy is fracturing. We have reached the point of no return.

At current mortality rates, we need to be prepared for up to 285,000 deaths across thecountry.

We are deeply grateful for the $8.5 million recently pledged by the US Government to support Covid relief efforts in Nepal. These funds are allocated to crucial activities like increasing testing capacity, treatment, infection control, and community level assistance. While extremel...