North Korea's coronavirus outbreak is causing global concerns, and for good reason. Last week, North Korea announced its first confirmed COVID-19 case within the country, marking a significant shift in their zero-COVID strategy. Since then, reports of at least 1.72 million reported fever cases, with around half in isolation, and numerous deaths, including the detection of Omicron's BA.2 variant, have surfaced.
Symptomatic cases account for approximately 7% of North Korea's 25 million population, making this outbreak a disaster for the region. Given that North Korea's medical resources are limited and their response capabilities to large-scale epidemics are weak, we must act urgently to assist them.
Their limited medical supplies necessitate the delivery of essential medicines, such as oral antivirals like Paxlovid, which has shown efficacy against Omicron BA.2. Moreover, improvements in testing capacities are crucial, as the country currently only tests roughly 1,500 individuals each week. Additionally, providing food aid for the undernourished population, which is particularly affected by the lockdowns, is essential.
However, North Korea has been hesitant to receive vaccines, believing they could isolate the epidemic until it dissipates. The growing risk of the virus entering through cargo or foreign individuals should prompt North Korea to change its strategy. An mRNA vaccine, for instance, has been shown to be effective against Omicron BA.2, meaning North Korea should prioritize receiving adequate supplies of the vaccine and related materials as soon as possible.
To support North Korea in its fight against COVID-19, collaborative efforts from various organizations, including the World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme, and NGOs, are crucial. The United Nations is best positioned to facilitate cooperation between these organizations, manage complex procedures, and work with North Korea's government to implement successful measures.
In the midst of this crisis, it's essential to remember that humans are suffering and seeking assistance. With the need for help in North Korea clear, the focus should be on extending a helping hand instead of imposing conditions or calling for help before offering it.
