Myanmar risks becoming a new “super-spreader” of the coronavirus, following a sharp increase in the number of infections.
The vaccination program is failing, testing has collapsed, hospitals are barely functioning, he writes The Guardian.
As of now, there have been 279,000 cases of infection in the country, as well as more than 7,000 deaths.
Sent dead home. Something was missing
– Extremely serious
The country is facing its most serious outbreak so far, in addition to a deep political and economic crisis as a result of the military coup earlier this year.
Several of the health workers in the country are still on strike couped February 1st.
UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews emphasizes the need for member states to use all tools to help Myanmar:
– UN member states can not afford to be complacent while the military junta mercilessly attacks medical personnel when covid-19 spreads uncontrollably. They must act to end this violence so that doctors and nurses can provide lifesaving care and international organizations can help provide vaccinations and medical treatment, Andrews writes in the report.
DEFECT: There is a great shortage of oxygen in Myanmar. Photo: AP / NTB
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Professor Stein Tønnesson at PRIO describes the situation as extremely serious.
– It’s a wild battle for oxygen. There are high prices and very few have been vaccinated, says Tønnesson to Dagbladet.
In addition to oxygen, there is also a serious shortage of medical equipment in cities across the country. Outside their homes, residents have hung yellow and white flags to signal that they need food or medicine, while social media is flooded with prayers for help, according to The Guardian.
– We need something drastic. Not only stop the infection, but also curb the damaging effects of the economic downturn as a result of the coup and the pandemic, says Tønnesson and adds:
– Norway should prioritize this in the UN Security Council. They have to do what they can.
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Ask for help
Myanmar’s military leader is now calling for greater cooperation to control the virus.
General Min Aung Hlaing calls for cooperation on the prevention, control and treatment of the coronavirus with the member countries of ASEAN, and “other friendly countries”, writes one of the country’s newspapers Global New Light of Myanmar.
– Myanmar can not handle this situation alone. There is an urgent need for humanitarian intervention, Tønnesson believes.
The Chaos Generals
The military coup
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested in a military coup in the country in February.
The army took control of the country, and believes they will retain power for one year, according to a military television channel. General Min Aung Hlaing was installed as the country’s leader.
Several international organizations, such as the UN and the EU, condemned the coup and the arrests of the country’s leaders. Norway also issued a statement condemning the coup and urging the military to follow democratic rules.
DEAL: Myanmar residents demonstrate against military coup. Photo: STR / AFP
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