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Afghanistan's hangover from U.S./Russian wars and now coronavirus...
(many thanks to DUer Metalbot for posting this link earlier today in another thread)
Coronavirus disrupts festive season in Afghanistan
Fears of COVID-19 spilling over from Iran put Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system to test
Shadi Khan Saif 09.03.2020
Link to story: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/coronavirus-disrupts-festive-season-in-afghanistan/1759483
(snips)
Afghanistan woke up to face the grim challenge posed by COVID-19 at least three months after the virus was first detected in China in December 2019.
The eminent threat eventually forced Afghan authorities to act when the virus came knocking on the country’s western border with Iran after Tehran announced its first cases in February. Public Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz confirmed the first positive case in Afghanistan on Feb. 24.
++++
Fragile health system put to test
In its latest report, the Doctors Without Borders said over 40 years of conflict and instability have left Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure in ruins and millions dependent on humanitarian assistance.
According to the report, issued on March 5, Afghans today still struggle to get access to healthcare services due to pervasive violence, widespread poverty and a weak public healthcare system.
With its meager resources, the Afghan government has earmarked some $25 million for measures to battle a potential spillover of the virus from Iran and its spread in the country of some 35 million inhabitants. One 200-bed hospital has been dedicated for it in the capital Kabul, and two more in the provinces of Herat and Nimroz, bordering Iran.
Coinciding with the surge in suspected and positive cases of coronavirus in Iran, the number of Afghans returning from there has also surged phenomenally. According to the country’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, more than 50,000 Afghans returned from Iran in the past two weeks alone.
Still, according to health officials, only a few people are considering the health advisories and taking measures such as wearing masks, frequently washing their hands and parting ways with the deep-rooted tradition of warm greetings -- which usually include a hug and strong handshake among men and kisses on the cheeks followed by a handshake among women.
“The level of awareness is still very low. My people are vulnerably exposed to the virus,” Dr. Nazeer Ahmad, a member of the coronavirus control committee, told Anadolu Agency.
The eminent threat eventually forced Afghan authorities to act when the virus came knocking on the country’s western border with Iran after Tehran announced its first cases in February. Public Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz confirmed the first positive case in Afghanistan on Feb. 24.
++++
Fragile health system put to test
In its latest report, the Doctors Without Borders said over 40 years of conflict and instability have left Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure in ruins and millions dependent on humanitarian assistance.
According to the report, issued on March 5, Afghans today still struggle to get access to healthcare services due to pervasive violence, widespread poverty and a weak public healthcare system.
With its meager resources, the Afghan government has earmarked some $25 million for measures to battle a potential spillover of the virus from Iran and its spread in the country of some 35 million inhabitants. One 200-bed hospital has been dedicated for it in the capital Kabul, and two more in the provinces of Herat and Nimroz, bordering Iran.
Coinciding with the surge in suspected and positive cases of coronavirus in Iran, the number of Afghans returning from there has also surged phenomenally. According to the country’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, more than 50,000 Afghans returned from Iran in the past two weeks alone.
Still, according to health officials, only a few people are considering the health advisories and taking measures such as wearing masks, frequently washing their hands and parting ways with the deep-rooted tradition of warm greetings -- which usually include a hug and strong handshake among men and kisses on the cheeks followed by a handshake among women.
“The level of awareness is still very low. My people are vulnerably exposed to the virus,” Dr. Nazeer Ahmad, a member of the coronavirus control committee, told Anadolu Agency.
Modern wars, disease, climate change and economic inequality have destroyed healthy, functioning ancient cultures around the globe.
KY............
1 replies
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