N Africa cases spike

THE International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed concern about a spike in coronavirus cases in four North African countries, saying it could lead to chaos.

In a statement yesterday, the IFRC said it was imperative for health ministries in Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia to improve the vaccine rollout to avoid future vulnerability and ultimately, the collapse of their health system as a whole.

The four countries reported the highest number of new cases in the past weeks in the region, with Tunisia accounting for the highest increase in new reported deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic.

“Leaving countries behind on vaccines will prolong the pandemic, not just in the region, but globally,” the IFRC said. “Many countries are facing other vulnerabilities, including conflict, natural disasters, water shortages, displacement, and other disease outbreaks. This makes people even more vulnerable to the devastating impacts of Covid-19.” |