Collaborative approach in Disaster Management (COVID-19 Response)

The Nepalese private sector has always been one of the most critical actors in supporting the government and the people in difficult times, including disasters. Their contribution has been more focused on relief efforts. This trend has increased substantially in recent years mainly because of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) provisions in the Industrial Enterprise Act, 2020, and Nepal Rastra Bank’s Unified Directives, 2021.

In the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, a government like Nepal, with its limited health services, could not match its response to the spread. In this context, the Nepal Preparedness Partnership (NPP), in collaboration with the private sector partners, supported the Government of Nepal in capacity building, awareness, and knowledge management initiatives to strengthen the COVID-19 preparedness and response activities in Nepal. This case study elaborates on the assistance and contribution of the private sector through NPP during the pandemic.