In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, UMN invites all people of prayer to set aside time daily to ask for God’s help in our work in Nepal. The time suggested for UMN staff is 3.00 pm. For our friends around the world, we ask that you join us either at the equivalent time in your country of 3 pm Nepal time, or whenever you are able. Many have found setting a daily alarm on their phone a useful reminder. 

Thank you for your fellowship in prayer.

• Okhaldhunga Hospital is seeing an increasing number of COVID patients, with a COVID test positivity rate of around 34% positive.  Three hospital staff are COVID positive, including our longstanding Business Manager, Buddha, who is recovering in home isolation.  Please pray for the COVID wave to subside in Okhaldhunga and for the health of all hospital staff.
   
• In Tansen Hospital, COVID patient numbers are also creeping up again, though the test positivity rate is much lower than in Okhaldhunga.  The father of our personnel manager, Ganesh, passed away from COVID-19 last week.  Please pray for consolation for his family, and for other staff who continue to mourn the deaths of family members.
   
• As the overall pandemic death toll in Nepal passes 10,000, there seems once again to be a rising wave of infection. At the same time, under the COVAX international vaccine-sharing scheme backed by the United Nations, more vaccinations are arriving in Nepal. Please pray for the rapid administration of these to protect life.
   
• Many of our UMN Staff have family members who are currently affected and in need of medical help and of your prayers. Pray for complete healing of Shrina and her husband, also for the husband of Rashmi who is receiving oxygen at home. Pray healing also for Ramesh Thing’s family, Parsu and Niki.
   
• Jyoti Chapai, Cluster Team Leader in Bajhang reports – last week, UMN collaborated with the Health Office Bajhang (HOB) for the vaccination campaign planning and the effective management of the second vaccination campaign in all 12 municipalities in the district. A total 14,000 ‘Verocell’ vaccine is to be provided. Please pray this will be done quickly and that the support of UMN will be valued.
   
• This week UMN is recruiting a Programme Partner Team Leader to succeed Dhana Lama.  Please pray for guidance as we choose the right person to lead UMN’s community development work with our local NGO partners.
   
• Please continue to pray for the government’s Central Project Advisory Committee and for approval of our Project Agreements. Further political transition and uncertainties add to these difficulties.