Somalia's COVID-19 cases hit 237 as US steps up in rescue mission

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has announced 73 new cases of Coronavirus, significantly increasing the national tally even as the country struggles with almost dysfunctional healthcare.

According to the Ministry of Health, of the new infections, 51 are male and 22 are female. This takes the total confirmed cases to a record 237, making the country with fourth most affected within East and the Horn of Africa.

So far, only five people have recovered from the deadly virus. Another eight victims have since died especially within the Martini Hospital, the only existing isolation facility within the capital, Mogadishu, authorities said.

The new figures could plunge FGS into an unprecedented crisis, given the inadequate preparations in terms of admission facilities and the insufficient number of ventilators, which are important for those infected.

Djibouti leads with almost 900 confirmed cases, followed by Kenya at 281. Tanzania's figures hit 254 on Monday after confirmation of 84 new cases. Somalia takes position four, and perhaps the most impoverished of the top nations with infections within the Indian Ocean strip.

Among others, authorities in Mogadishu have suspended domestic and international flights, learning activities besides banning mass public gatherings. A curfew has since been imposed in the capital, police added, aiming at preventing further spread.

International partners led by Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Chinese billionaire philanthropist Jack Ma, have all delivered medical supplies to the war-torn nation, a move that has significantly helped the health department handle some cases.

On Monday, the US joined the rescue mission through USAID, which donated 350 hospital beds and 500 bedsheets as one of the steps to help FGS fight COVID-19, which risks eroding development gains in Somalia.

The Ministry of Health was present at a handover ceremony in De Martino Hospital where medical staff graciously received the beds, in the only known isolation facility within the federal republic.

These beds and accessories will be used in the ICU units of De Martino hospital and in isolation centers in Mogadishu and be distributed to newly established isolation centers in the regions helping medical personnel to provide life-saving care to their patients, US embassy added.

“The United States is proud to assist the Somali Government during this critical time,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Y. Yamamoto. “Well-equipped isolation centers where patients are well cared for and are safely and comfortably separated will help limit the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country.”

Somalia, through Health Minister Dr. Fawziya Abikar, hailed the donations from the US, adding that the "gracious" donation would help the nation battle COVID-19 to the expectations of the World Health Organization.

“This generous investment makes it possible to save lives, and better prepares us to control the infectious nature of COVID-19,” Ms. Abikar said. “To beat this outbreak, everyone needs to continue to peacefully follow health guidelines, observe social distancing, and maintain good hygiene practices.”

The U.S. Government is leading the world’s humanitarian and health assistance response to the COVID-19 pandemic even while we battle the virus at home. When an outbreak strikes, it threatens to undermine a nation’s progress towards self-reliance and stability, read the statement

USAID’s global public health investments ensure continuity of development goals while providing countries with critical assistance to combat COVID-19. It's one of the consistent development partners in Africa.

Already, the coronavirus disease has infected over 2.5 million people worldwide. Of this number, 650,000 have recovered while at least 160,000 have since died. The US is the most affected, statistics from Johns Hopkins University indicate.

GAROWE ONLINE