São Paulo – The Arab world has a lower Covid-19 mortality rate than does Brazil and the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 22 Arab countries have seen a combined 1.28 million cases and 23,200 deaths, with a 1.8% mortality rate. Brazil had 3.8 million cases and 120,400 deaths, a 3.13% mortality rate that is much closer to the global average of 3.36%. There have been 25.1 million cases and 844,300 deaths around the world, according to the WHO.
Arab countries have accounted for 5.1% of cases and 2.75% of deaths in the world. Saudi Arabia is the Arab country with the most cases – 314,821 people infected and 3,870 dead. The Arab country with the most deaths is Iraq, at 231,177 cases and 6,959 casualties. Next comes Egypt (pictured above), at 98,727 cases and 5,399 deaths. Another country with over 100,000 cases is Qatar, at 118,575, but only 197 deaths.
Arab countries with the least deaths are the Comoros, at 7 deaths and 423 cases; Jordan, at 15 deaths and 1,966 cases; Djibouti, at 60 deaths and 5,385 cases; and Tunisia, at 76 deaths and 3,685 cases.
The UN and the Arab countries
United Nations (UN) secretary-general António Guterres released a document late last July on the coronavirus pandemic. Guterres said Arab countries might recover better than other parts of the planet. According to him, the pandemic has exposed flaws and weaknesses in societies and economies around the world, and the Arab region is no exception.
The document points out that the region is “blessed with tremendous diversity and potential.” Nevertheless, all Arab countries – whether they be oil-rich, medium-income or less developed – are struggling with their pandemic responses.
“The global pandemic has exposed endemic challenges. The regional economy has suffered multiple shocks — from the virus as well as the sharp drop in oil prices, remittances and tourism.
Economic forecasts stand at 50-year lows. The regional economy is expected to shrink by more than 5 per cent – with some countries facing double-digit contractions,” the document quoted Guterres as saying.
According to him, four sets of priorities can guide the response towards improved recovery and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Guterres said the Arab region can “get there by making the most of the remarkable potential, compassion and ingenuity of its people. Together, we can turn a crisis into an opportunity. It will be good for the region — and good for our world,” he said. You can watch a video of Guterres’ speech here.
Some Arab countries have put in place mitigation measures to address the economic crisis. The UAE announced a USD 27 billion stimulus plan to help drive its economy, including water and electricity subsidies for citizens, retail and industry. Qatar announced a similar USD 23 billion package to support and provide financial incentive to the private sector. Saudi Arabia rolled out a USD 13 billion package to support small and medium businesses. Egypt has its own USD 6 billion package to address the virus and support economic growth.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
