The world faces a shortage of oxygen concentrators as the number of worldwide cases of coronavirus infection nears the 10 million mark, the World Health Organisation head has said.
“Many countries are now experiencing difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators,” WHO Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus told a news conference. “Demand is currently outstripping supply.”
The coronavirus has infected 9.3 million people and killed more than 480,000.
Cases are now rising by about 1 million a week, pushing oxygen demand to 88,000 large cylinders a day, or 620,000 cubic metres of oxygen, Mr Tedros said.
The sudden rise has created a shortage of oxygen concentrators needed to support the breathing of Covid-19 patients suffering from respiratory distress.
The health agency has purchased 14,000 oxygen concentrators from manufacturers and plans to send them to 120 countries in the coming weeks, the WHO chief said in Geneva on Wednesday. A further 170,000 concentrators – valued at about $100 million – will potentially be available over the next six months.
Meanwhile, the head of the WHO emergencies programme, Dr Mike Ryan, said the pandemic in many Latin American countries was still intense as deaths in the region passed 100,000 this week. Many countries had reported 25 to 50 per cent increase in cases in that time, he said.
“I would characterise the situation in the Americas in general as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and continued deaths,” he said.
The US has criticised WHO’s handling of the pandemic, calling the agency “China-centric”. President Donald Trump demanded an immediate review and reforms and has pledged to quit the Geneva-based body.
European governments are also working with the United States on an overhaul plan.
While Mr Tedros has pledged accountability and a post-pandemic review, Mr Ryan said on Wednesday the agency was holding internal talks over its actions, including what it has learnt about controlling the virus.
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Directed by: Gail Mancuso
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad, Marg Helgenberger, Betty Gilpin, Kathryn Prescott
3 out of 5 stars
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Spec%20sheet
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego
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Fights start from 6pm Friday, January 31
Catchweight 82kg
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