December 30, 2021
1 min read

Afghanistan lacks equipment to detect Omicron variant

The country has asked World Health Organization (WHO) to provide testing machines for the new fast-spreading Covid-19 variant…reports Asian Lite News

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan said that the country does not have equipment to detect Omicron, adding that it has asked the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide testing machines for the new fast-spreading Covid-19 variant.

Both Pakistan and Iran, the two countries that share borders with Afghanistan, have confirmed cases of the new variant, reports TOLO News.

“Omicron is not distinguishable by the PCR machines that we have now, it requires more developed machinery. We have contacted the WHO and they have promised to provide these machines for us by the end of January 2022,” Javed Hazher, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, health workers have said that the fight against the virus should not be ignored as Afghanistan is struggling with economic and political challenges.

They added that that neglecting the pandemic will lead to many people to be infected with the Omicron variant.

ALSO READ: US to provide 1mn vax doses to Afghanistan

“The economy and political problems caused Covid-19 to be ignored and not taken seriously. A crisis will happen if we do not face the latest wave of the coronavirus triggered by the Omicron variant,” said Ahmad Jawad Fardeen, a doctor.

According to WHO figures, Afghanistan has so far registered 157,998 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 7,355 deaths, while a total of 4,674,518 vaccine doses have been administered.

Previous Story

Canada honours 2 indian-origin professionals

Next Story

Mummy of Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep I digitally unwrapped

Latest from Afghanistan

Pentagon to review withdrawal from Afghanistan

The review aims to provide accountability and transparency, examining previous investigations and decision-making processes that led to the tragic event The US Department of Defense has announced a comprehensive review of the

Pentagon to Review Afghan Exit

The US Defence Secretary directed the Chief Pentagon Spokesperson and Senior Advisor, Sean Parnell, to spearhead a special review panel on the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News US Defence

Jaishankar Thanks Taliban for Backing India

Last week, Afghanistan had termed Pakistani allegations of India launching missile strikes on the Afghan territory as “baseless” and “unfounded”….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a conversation on

Taliban Bans Chess in Afghanistan

The decision places chess-related activities on hold indefinitely in Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News The Taliban has banned chess in Afghanistan due to religious concerns, continuing its opposition to various forms of entertainment

Taliban arrest 14 people for playing music

This includes cracking down on music in public, from live performances to playing at gatherings, in restaurants, in cars or on radio and TV Taliban authorities have arrested 14 people in northern
Go toTop

Don't Miss

England relaxes Covid-19 contact curbs

Residents in England are expected to start playing football and

Morocco suspends regular int’l flights over Omicron variant

Morocco will suspend all regular international passenger flights for two