From Our Bureau
4TH JULY 2020
The Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic situation remained grim globally, with the confirmed cases across the world soaring to 1,09,22,324 and the death toll reaching 5,23,011 in the 216 affected countries and territories, according to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Globally, American region continued to be the worst-hit with 55,75,482 confirmed cases and 2,59,094 deaths. Europe came next with 27,57,556 confirmed cases and 1,99,510 deaths. Eastern Mediterranean region reported 11,35,604 confirmed cases and 26,521 deaths.
South-East Asia region’s tally stood at 8,88,732 confirmed cases and 23,774 deaths. Western Pacific region recorded 2,21,794 confirmed cases and 7,471 deaths and African region registered 3,42,415 confirmed cases and 6,628 deaths. WHO Risk Assessment at global level remained very high.
WHO is providing support to bridge a shortfall in oxygen supplies in Iraq. To counter severe shortages, WHO has airlifted 300 oxygen concentrators from WHO’s warehouses in the United Arab Emirates.
As African countries begin to reopen borders and air spaces, it is crucial that governments take effective measures to mitigate the risk of a surge in infections.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his remarks to the Security Council on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security, warned that the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting peace and security around the world. He stated that “Collective security and our shared well-being are under assault on many fronts led by a relentless disease and abetted by global fragilities.”
In Yemen, healthcare workers face a double battle – COVID-19 in a conflict zone. WHO chronicles the work of Dr Sami Al Hajj, a young doctor working at the Science and Technology Hospital in Sana. (eom)
