Coronavirus progresses in Mali, doctors await promised means

An aerial view of Bamako, the capital of Mali.

(Illustrative image) GettyImages

Text by: David Baché

4 min

Mali has seen a worrying increase in coronavirus cases for several weeks, and a fortiori in the last three days.

From a handful of new cases, we have grown to over 150 per day.

These figures are largely underestimated because of the very low test capacities, but which give the measure of acceleration.

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The curve of the evolution of cases has increased significantly since mid-November, but it is in the very last days that the bars of 100 and then 150 daily cases have been crossed.

Not to mention all those who have not been tested.

After having considered more drastic and restrictive measures such as the closure of schools and restaurants or a night curfew, the transitional authorities announced ten days ago a strengthening of prevention and the capacity to take care of the sick. .

More personnel, equipment, drugs.

The capital is considered to be the main focus of the current second wave.

But for Dr Modibo Doumbia, president of the Regional Council of the Order of Physicians in Bamako, the account is not there.

Today, the cases we have are serious cases.

Except that today we don't have a place in the intensive care unit.

We need resuscitation equipment to take care of these cases.

As a result, in these last two days we have a fairly high mortality rate.

Dr Modibo Doumbia: "There are enormous difficulties on the ground"

David Baché

Timbuktu, the country's second home

The city of Timbuktu is the second focus of Covid-19, with nearly a tenth of the more than 5,400 cases listed in Mali since March.

Dr Mahamane Tandina chairs the Regional Council of the Order of Doctors of Timbuktu.

He explains that currently, cases are rare and isolated, but what worries him is the casualness of the inhabitants.

“ 

The mask is not systematic.

People continue to shake hands.

Large gatherings are not prohibited.

There is not an awareness to take this very seriously.

This is worrying because with the way of life of the population, as soon as there is a case, it can immediately increase very quickly.

 "

180 people have officially died from the coronavirus in Mali since March.

The health authorities recall the importance of wearing a mask, hand washing and distancing measures.

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  • Mali

  • Health and medicine

  • Coronavirus

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