Several countries pledged on Friday to assist Tunisia in facing its catastrophic situation and the collapse of its healthcare system due to a very rapid spread of the coronavirus. Tunisia is struggling to deal with the pandemic, with intensive care units full, oxygen supplies running low, and medical teams experiencing significant exhaustion. Tunisia recorded 189 deaths on Friday, the highest daily toll ever since the pandemic began last year. It also announced approximately 8,500 new infections on Friday, raising concerns about the country's ability to control the outbreak.
On Friday, Qatar sent a military aircraft loaded with aid, including a field hospital equipped with 200 medical beds and 100 ventilators. A statement from the presidency indicated that President Kais Saied spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged to send vaccines and all necessary medical equipment to help the country overcome its crisis. The presidency also announced that the Libyan president committed to sending medical aid to Tunisia. Officials said Kuwait and Turkey would send urgent aid to Tunisia. Local media reported Algeria's health minister stating that Algeria would send various aids and that he would travel to Tunisia if necessary.
After successfully containing the first wave last year, Tunisian authorities are now struggling to cope with the rise in infections. They imposed a lockdown in some cities starting last week but refused to implement a nationwide lockdown due to the economic crisis. Nisaf Ben Ali, spokesperson for the health ministry, told Radio Mosaique, "We are in a catastrophic situation... the healthcare system has collapsed... you can barely find a bed... we are struggling to provide oxygen... doctors are experiencing unprecedented exhaustion." She added, "The ship is sinking," calling on everyone to join efforts.
The total number of infections has risen to approximately 480,000, with deaths exceeding 16,000. Tunisia is experiencing a severe shortage of vaccines, with only 715,000 people receiving two vaccine doses in a country with a population of 11.6 million. The presidency stated that the United States would send a donation of about 500,000 doses.
