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

Moscow Steps Up Afghan Diplomacy

Russia sees a potential economic partner in the Taliban authorities, who praised Moscow for scrapping the “terrorism” label last week…reports Asian Lite News Russia has announced that it will elevate the Afghan

India Donates Vaccines to Afghanistan

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health expressed gratitude towards India for its generous contribution….reports Asian Lite News India has donated 4.8 tonnes of vaccines to Afghanistan as part of its ongoing humanitarian

Selective Deportation? Keamari Camp Speaks Out

Keamari camp, set up to accommodate Afghan families, houses hundreds of families who await being registered and transported to the Pak-Afghan Torkham border and deported to Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News Afghan families
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Get Vaccines to Stem Covid-19 & Flu

Protect yourself from Covid-19 and flu this winter with the

Biden defends Afghanistan decision

Warns Taliban leaders they would face “devastating force” should they