Commonwealth develops tracker to help countries monitor coronavirus

The Commonwealth has developed a coronavirus tracker that shows daily cases in member countries including Bangladesh.

The tracker collects data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and shows the total confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in the affected member countries, said a press release.

The tool is designed to help countries prepare and respond to the pandemic.

Assistant Secretary-General Nabeel Goheer said coronavirus has rapidly spread across the world affecting people, livelihoods and nations.

"The Commonwealth tracker offers real-time and accurate insight for governments to make informed decisions on this worsening crisis," he added.

A Commonwealth analysis suggests access to hospital beds and ventilators are limited in many countries, which could present a major challenge if coronavirus is not contained early enough.

Kathleen McCourt, president of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, said Commonwealth nurses and midwives are at the forefront of the global Covid-19 response.

"They're reporting inadequate access to personal protective equipment, being asked to work in unfamiliar environments and inconsistent or absent access to testing for healthcare workers," she added.

"We're encouraging national organisations to contribute data to the Commonwealth coronavirus tracker. This data will better prepare and equip healthcare workers to tackle this global emergency."

Also read: Coronavirus cases rise to 44 in Bangladesh

She urged Commonwealth countries to work with health professionals to ensure healthcare workers are protected and able to care for their patients safely and appropriately.

The tracker is part of the Innovation Hub, which Secretary-General Patricia Scotland established in 2018. The online hub promotes cutting-edge ideas and innovations of the Commonwealth's 2.4 billion people, 54 member countries and 90 accredited organisations.

A Commonwealth's health protection policy toolkit is available on the Innovation Hub. The toolkit looks at the effects of pandemics on global security and offers solutions to strengthen health protection systems.