Social Work Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: Current Practices and Future Considerations

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examines the findings of a small qualitative study focusing on two virtual discussions facilitated by the Social Workers’ Association Nepal (SWAN) in May and June 2020 and follow-up interviews conducted with the participants during June 2020. The aim of these discussions and follow-up interviews was to examine the role of social workers in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Seven social work practitioners (including Master’s of Social Work graduates (n = 3), PhD student (n = 1), and social work practitioners (n = 3)) from across the country participated as invited speakers in the sessions with approximately 500 Nepalese social workers engaged as voluntary participants. Based on these discussions, a process of thematic analysis was utilized, where a series of findings emerged that gave consideration to the role of social workers in assisting Nepalese civil society in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings centered upon nationwide action including: emergency responses, relief goods coordination and distribution, quarantine management, psychosocial support, and infodemic management administered by social work practitioners. A series of recommendations emerging from the study’s findings serve to inform the central role of social workers in responding to the current pandemic in Nepal.