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.

• Nepal is now back in lockdown which is being strictly enforced in Kathmandu the main centre of infection. New cases have risen to over 8000 per day. There are worrying reports of younger people being infected with more serious symptoms. There are only about 1,600 intensive care beds and fewer than 600 ventilators in the country. There are 0.7 doctors per 100,000 people, a lower rate than India. Please pray for better supply and more rapid roll out of vaccination.
   
• Pray for our Hospitals as they deal with a steep rise in COVID infections. Each hospital has reallocated wards for COVID patients and are full or expect to be so soon. Pray that each hospital’s oxygen plant continues to function and that we are able to secure additional oxygen supplies for the growing need.
   
• During the first wave of the pandemic UMN was able to give much material support to health posts and others in our cluster areas. We are seeking to do what we can again. United Mission Hospital Tansen recently supplied 500 face shields and 1000 bottles of hand sanitisers to the Regional Directorate of Health of Lumbini Province. This is to be used to control the current infection risks at the border. Pray that this will be well received, and also help reduce negative attitudes of some toward the Hospital.
   
• Pray for our Cluster Staff as they work with local governments in their districts to respond to coronavirus, mainly through equipping district hospitals and health posts.  Lockdowns will pose many logistical and bureaucratic challenge; please pray that these will be swiftly overcome.
   
• Pray for staff and also their families who have been ill with Covid19, especially for our staff member Niki in Kathmandu who has recently been hospitalised. Pray for rapid and full recoveries. Also that it might be possible for all staff to receive vaccinations enabling them to work with a greater level of safety.