Anxiety caused by lockdowns, many unknowns around COVID-19, and fear of being infected has given rise to stigma in local communities, fueling discrimination and attacks against vulnerable people.
Stigma is associated with a LACK OF KNOWLEDGE about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths. Stigma can also make people more likely to hide symptoms or illness, keep them from seeking health care immediately, and prevent individuals from adopting healthy behaviors. Stigmatized individuals may experience isolation, depression, anxiety, or public embarrassment.
On 4th August 2020 Nepalese communities in Victoria like NAV, NRNA, Consulate General of Victoria and Senior community leaders conducted a zoom meeting with 32 participants to address this issue and come up with the solution to respond to the stigma created by COVID-19. In the meeting, Senior Community Member Jog Limbu said that he is very positive and thankful for the work of NRNA and NAV and will be supporting them in every way possible. Community Leader Deepa Rai updated about the accommodation, COVID-19 FAQ, relief request google form, etc., by working together with Prem Kandel, Tara Gaire, and Bobin Mishra.
MNTV Chief news Editor Chiranjeevi Devkota informed about the information flow, updates, and the suggestion received from senior members. NRNA VIC Executive Member Madhuri Maskey stated about providing general welfare programs and people we can reach out during this pandemic. All the volunteers will be provided with an appreciation letters and food relief fund. Maskey informed that she got a message from Victoria police about the delivery of food, which will get receive by tomorrow. Consulate General Hon. Chandra Yonzon expressed his disappointment with less participation of people. “Niru Tripathi will be coordinating on behalf of Consulate Victoria”, he added. ANPL President Nirajan Gauli appreciated the work of the Nepalese community and have assured to provide them with financial support.
NRNA President Keshav Kandel updated about finance, relief package, and hotline. He requested, Binit Sharma, be an area coordinator, Shankar Thapa to communicate with students, and Chiranjeevi Devkota to work with media and information sharing. He said, this community will be helping the needs, with accommodation, groceries, voucher, where AECA will be supporting them.
In the end, NRNA VIC Coordinator Prem Kandel closed the meeting by appreciating all the views of participants and thanking all the seniors and members of different communities for marking their participation in this “COVID-19 response” meeting.
