Madagascar seeks international aid as Covid-19 cases rise

There are divisions in Madagascar’s government after the health minister of the country requested international help to cope with a surge in COVID-19 cases.

There are over 8,160 Covid-19 cases in the country but the government says it is surprised the health minister made the call for aid.

Government has been distributing a herbal drink that President Andry Rajoelina has proclaimed as a cure for coronavirus despite warnings from WHO.

Hospital officials in the capital Antananarivo have said they are running out of beds as more and more people are being infected.

In a letter addressed Monday to donors, Health Minister Ahmad Ahmad made an “urgent appeal” to development agencies.

“Over the past weeks, the COVID-19 epidemic has evolved in a very critical way in Madagascar with notable flare-ups in certain regions, particularly in Antananarivo,” it said.