Over 430,000 people in Sarlahi to receive medicine against elephantiasis
Over 400, 000 people across 12 local levels in Sarlahi district will be given medicines to prevent elephantiasis following a rise in infection in the area.
The District Health Office, Sarlahi aims to provide anti-elephantiasis drugs to a total of 430,941 people, covering about 80 percent of the total population in the 12 affected local levels.
The District Health Office, Sarlahi has launched a special campaign after the lymphatic filariasis infection was found to be spreading rapidly in several local levels.
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division at Teku, Kathmandu, in coordination with the World Health Organization had conducted the test last October by dividing 20 local rural municipalities of the district into two groups.
Balara Municipality, Ramnagar Rural Municipality, Dhanakaul Rural Municipality, Basabariya Rural Municipality, Chakraghatta Rural Municipality, Godaita Municipality, Bishnu Rural Municipality, Koudena Rural Municipality, Malangawa Municipality, Brahmapuri Rural Municipality, Parsa Rural Municipality and Haripurwa Municipality were put into a group and testing was conducted.
Out of 300 samples collected from local levels such as Balara, Chakraghatta and Brahmapuri, 28 cases of elephantiasis were confirmed.As the infection continues to spread, the local public health authority decided to administer preventive medication.
Earlier last Wednesday, the Office organized an interaction program as a part of its special campaign on elimination of elephantiasis.
Dr Sashi Badel of the Division said although elephantiasis can cause serious damage to the body, it can be preventable if medicines are taken regularly on time.
Light rain and snowfall likely in some high hill and mountainous areas
At present, the country is under the partial influence of the westerly winds, the Weather Forecasting Division stated.
In some areas of Koshi and Madhes Provinces, there is prevalence of mist while partial clouds cover the hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi Province and other parts of the country.
According to the Division, this afternoon light rain and snowfall is likely to take place in one or two places in the high hill and mountain regions of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces while mist will possibly persist in the Tarai region.
In the high hill and mountain regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, there will be partial clouds, while the rest of the area will mainly remain clear.
There is also a forecast of light snowfall and rain in one or two places in the high hill and mountain regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.
Similarly, some areas of the Terai will experience mist tonight. In the high hill and mountain regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces, there will be partial clouds, while the rest of the areas will mainly remain clear.
In view of the imminent effects of rain and snowfall on daily life, tourism, health, as well as air and road traffic, the Division has requested all concerned to take necessary precautions.
Martyr Day being observed today
The Martyr Day is being observed across the country today by organizing several programs.
The Martyr Day has been marked by commemorating those who sacrificed their lives for the country and its people.
The Day is observed by remembering the struggling life and devotion of martyrs, Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Dasharath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha as well as contributions of other martyrs to the establishment of democracy in the country.
Martyr Week is observed from Magh 10-16 every year on the initiatives of different organizations in memory of brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives against the then Rana regime.
In 1997, Martyr Shukra Raj Shastri was executed in Teku-based Pachali on Mag 10, Dharma Bhakta Mathema at Shifal on Magh 13 and Gangla Lal Shrestha and Dasharath Chand at Shobha Bhagawati on Magh 15 by Rana ruler while demanding independence.
India hands over second tranche of election assistance to Nepal
India handed over the second tranche of election-related assistance to Nepal, reinforcing bilateral cooperation ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
Charge d’Affaires of India to Nepal, Dr. Rakesh Pandey, ceremonially handed over more than 250 vehicles to the Government of Nepal at a function held at the Ministry of Finance in Kathmandu.
The event was attended by Nepal’s Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal.
The vehicles form part of the election-related assistance requested by Nepal to support logistical preparations for the forthcoming polls.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Khanal highlighted the longstanding and friendly ties between India and Nepal and expressed appreciation for the timely assistance.
He noted that the support would play an important role in ensuring smooth election preparations.
The first tranche of India’s election-related assistance was handed over on January 20, 2026.
Additional consignments are expected to be delivered in phases over the coming weeks.
The assistance reflects the close development partnership between India and Nepal and underscores the deep-rooted trust and cooperation between the two countries.
