Libya Intensifies Random Tests to Contain Coronavirus

A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)
A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)
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Libya Intensifies Random Tests to Contain Coronavirus

A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)
A vaccination campaign in Janzour, western Libya (National Center for Disease Control)

Libya deployed mobile clinics near the Martyrs' Square in Tripoli to administer the COVID-19 vaccines and fight the spread of the virus.

The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed that random tests in the Eastern Province on 2,096 citizens showed a positive rate of 7.6 percent. The center noted that malls, mosques, pharmacies, and cafes are places in which the virus can easily be transmitted.

Commenting on citizens’ adherence to the preventative precautions, NCDC stated that most of the answers in the survey showed negligence to the precautions.

In the same context, Sebha Medical Center in southern Libya complained that the medical teams were being verbally abused by the citizens. This led to some disturbances in the center.

It repeatedly called on the relevant authorities to protect them, but no serious actions were taken to solve this rapidly increasing problem.

Official figures in Libya have shown a remarkable decline in virus infection cases.

This coincides with discussions taking place between Health Minister Ali Al-Zanati and officials from health institutions in the southern region.

Talks covered the obstacles and problems which hospitals are suffering from due to the shortage in medical staff.

The health minister expressed keenness on backing the health sector in the south of the country.

He stressed his ministry’s readiness to tackle the shortage by signing contracts with healthcare members from the north, or even neighboring countries, to provide support.



Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
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Almost Half of Attacks on Heath Care in Lebanon Have Been Deadly, WHO Says

Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)
Smoke rises as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Al-Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, northern Israel, 22 November 2024, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. (EPA)

The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world.

The UN health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more.

WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat.

Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah in the country two months ago.

The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday.