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Iraqi Refugees 'Extremely Vulnerable' to COVID-19, MSF Says

VOA News

   More than 1 million Iraqis who fled fromIslamicState and are now living
   in overcrowded and filthy camps are"extremelyvulnerable" to COVID-19,
   Doctors WithoutBorders (MSF)said.

   "In the camps where MSF provides medical care, families are congested
   inside single tents and have scarce access to adequate hygiene
   facilities," said TetyanaPylypenko, MSF medical coordinator in Iraq.
   "Mixing with other camp residents is an unavoidable daily task, and
   without enough aid, people have no choice but to go out and seek any
   work to support their families, despite knowing the increased risk of
   infection."

   MSF says while therehavebeen some confirmedcoronavirus casesinsidethe
   camps where the group is active,those who leave the camps to take
   outside jobs risk bringing back thevirus. The group says it is very
   difficult for the refugees to protectthemselves from a possible large
   outbreak.

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