The COVID-19 pandemic could threaten Afghanistan with disastrous consequences in both the health and socio-economic fields, according to a press release on the website of the International Federation of Red Cross and red Crescent societies.
"Afghanistan is on the verge of a potential health, social and economic disaster due to COVID-19, the disease is becoming a heavy burden for one of the ten most vulnerable countries in the world," the press release said.
According to official data, more than 34 thousand people in Afghanistan are infected with COVID-19. According to the press release, the actual number may differ significantly, since information about many infected people may not be recorded due to the small number of tests conducted for COVID-19 and the weakened health system. It is noted that in Afghanistan, for every 3,500 people, there is only one doctor. This is five times less than the world average (according to the WHO estimates). There is also an acute shortage of protective equipment for medical personnel.
The socio-economic consequences of the pandemic could be disastrous for more than one-third of the country's population, or 12.4 million citizens, the press release notes. Already, they are experiencing serious deficiencies in food. It is noted that the Afghan Red Cross intends to provide financial support or food to at least 450 thousand people.
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a new COVID-19 coronavirus infection a pandemic. According to the latest WHO data, more than 12.9 million cases of infection have been identified in the world, and more than 570,000 people died. In Afghanistan, according to the latest data, the number of cases of COVID-19 infection is 34,740 people, 1,062 patients died from the disease. A total of 21,454 patients were cured.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from RIA Novosti