“A catastrophic spread in Africa” concerns Somali Japanese doctors April 19 16:22
In Africa, where the medical system is vulnerable, the new coronavirus infection is spreading. A Japanese doctor working in Somalia, East Africa, one of the poorest countries in the world, is very concerned that "a spread of infection in Africa will cause catastrophe."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people infected with the new coronavirus exceeds 20,000 in Africa as a whole, and it is spreading from urban areas with a large population to rural areas where the medical system is particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Ayuko Hirai, who is currently acting as the medical director of a medical group without borders, answered NHK's interview regarding the situation in Somalia, which is considered one of the poorest countries in the world due to ongoing conflict with armed groups. It was
In Somalia, more than 100 infections have been confirmed so far, and it is known that 5 infections are also known in Somaliland where Dr. Hirai is active, but the number that can be tested is small and actually more people are It means that there is growing concern about being infected.
Somaliland has only 15 ventilators, and supplies such as masks and medicines are suspended due to the closure of the borders of neighboring countries, Dr. Hirai said, `` The number of infected people is increasing rapidly here. It would cause a catastrophe and take years to resolve it, "he said.
In addition, Dr. Hirai said that various diseases such as tuberculosis and measles are prevalent in the field, `` Africa is vulnerable in many ways, and if we concentrate too much on measures against the new coronavirus, we will run out of supplies, It is said that the support of the international community is indispensable.