The data we collect saves lives

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak when Mohammad Javed joined the WHO, Country Office in Nepal, last year as an Information Management Assistant. Originally from Biratnagar, Javed had to leave behind his family and move to his work station at Janakpur, Dhanusha district.

As an information management assistant, Mohammad spends most of his day collecting and analyzing COVID-19 related data from the province. He coordinates with ten labs across the province to obtain data on tests and positive results, which he then shares with the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division in Kathmandu. The data gathered from the provincial and local labs play a crucial role in strengthening the national COVID-19 response.

One of the biggest challenges that Mohammad has faced is not being able to see his family often, particularly his one-year-old daughter.

"I miss my daughter, but it’s challenging to take the time out to see her as we are busy even during weekends,” he said.

Recently, he also lost his father-in-law to COVID-19. 

Mohammad himself contracted the virus last year during the Dashain festival season and was unable to visit his family.

 "Although my colleagues at work were cooperative and helped me a lot, I really missed my family at the time and wanted to be with them,” he shared.

Despite the various challenges he has faced, Mohammad says he is proud of the work he is doing and the impact it has created.

“Although we are not doctors, we have realized that the data we provide can also help in saving lives,” he said.