Africa In Dire Need Of ICU Beds, Ventilators - WHO

As coronavirus cases on the African continent increase, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the facilities to handle the swelling numbers aren't sufficient.

The organization cited a shortage of beds available in intensive care units (ICUs) and ventilators, adding that across 43 African countries, there are less than 5,000 beds in ICUs in hospitals.

The statement by the organization says, “This is about 5 beds per one million people in the reported countries compared to 4000 beds per one million people in Europe."

Critical cases of coronavirus are usually sent to intensive care units where the patients would need ventilators to assist in breathing.

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But reports state that across 41 African nations, less than 2,000 ventilators are available in hospitals run by the government.

According to the Director of the organization in Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, “There is a critical shortage of treatment facilities for critical cases of COVID-19 in Africa."

Africa has a record of 11,500 coronavirus cases, of which there have been 570 fatalities.

Although, infection and death rates on the continent are fewer than those in other parts of the world.