Emergency Forensic DNA Response for Nepal

Help Identify Disaster Victims and Bring Answers to Families

Nepal is facing a devastating humanitarian crisis following catastrophic flooding. Families are searching for missing loved ones, while local authorities face the enormous challenge of recovering and identifying human remains. The Government of Nepal, through the Embassy of Nepal, USA, has identified an urgent need for specialized forensic DNA kits, reagents, laboratory consumables, and related equipment to identify disaster victims who may be difficult to identify through conventional methods. Why This Matters- It allows families to mourn, honor their loved ones, and begin to heal.

Who I Am

My name is Suresh Basnet, MD. I am a physician and Assistant Professor of Medicine in the department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. I have discussed this humanitarian initiative with Dr. Mark Gladwin, Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who has been supportive of my efforts. Dr. Gladwin helped me connect with the leaders and colleagues at the University of Maryland Institute of Genome Sciences. We are discussing the forensic DNA needs identified by Nepal and potential ways to support the humanitarian response.

Please Help

Whether you contribute $25, $50, $100, $500, or whatever you are able to give, your support can help Nepal respond to this tragedy.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with friends, family, physicians, scientists, Nepalese communities, humanitarian organizations, and potential corporate donors is equally valuable.

Every contribution matters. Every share matters. Every effort to help matters.

Several colleagues and members of our community have reached out to me because they want to help. Rather than accepting contributions personally or informally, I want to create a transparent fundraising effort through which people who wish to help can contribute toward Nepal's disaster response.

Where will the funds go

100% of the funds raised, will be used to support the procurement of forensic DNA kits, reagents, laboratory consumables, and related equipment needed for the emergency response in Nepal. Alternatively, if direct procurement is not feasible, the funds will be transferred to the Embassy of Nepal Washington, D.C.in accordance with its official guidance and procedures for supporting the disaster response.