HFN intends to test, trace, isolate and provide telemedicine services in rural communities in collaboration with local municipalities and local healthcare center. We are launching this initiative from Resunga Municipality, Tamghas, Gulmi in collaboration with Dr. Uttam Pachya of Gulmi District Hospital.

The primary aim of this project will be to demonstrate that Nepal needs to prioritize Mass Testing to break the chain of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. We intend to implement Gulmi as a pilot project where we will measure the effectiveness for replication by government and other organizations in other places. Subsequently, we will implement this in Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan, Rupa municipality, and Kerabari municipality.

Nepal is currently experiencing the fastest spread of COVID-19 globally. In the last week of April 2021, COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed by over 668%. Despite the government mandated lockdowns in over 2/3rd of the country, Nepal has been reporting nearly 9000 cases daily since May 2nd week. The daily new confirmed deaths per million have been higher than India's.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised governments that before reopening, rates of test positivity tests/all the tests conducted) should remain at 5% or lower for at least 14 days. Nepal is currently reporting a national average of test positivity of 41%, with some districts reporting positivity of >70%. This suggests that there are many more positive cases in the community that we are unable to identify. To reach there, rapid expansion of testing capacity, followed by tracing, isolation, and quarantine, are the only ways to address this burgeoning crisis.

Mass testing has been used in many countries like China, Vietnam, Slovakia, etc. to rapidly test, isolate, trace and control the spread. With prompt identification of positive cases, mass testing enables prompt isolation of the infected individuals and prevent further transmission. Health Foundation Nepal (HFN) will work with the local government and health institutions to implement Mass Testing Initiatives in rural Nepal