The Intelligence from The Economist Pestilent peninsula: covid in North Korea
May 19, 2022
Andrew Knox, The Economist's Korea correspondent, dives deep into North Korea's COVID-19 crisis, revealing the stark contrast between the regime's claims and reality. With a healthcare system in shambles and rampant pre-existing conditions, Knox highlights the severe impact of isolationist policies. He discusses how these failures may affect North Korea's international relations moving forward. Alongside this, the conversation touches on rising tensions regarding Turkish refugees, exacerbated by political agendas, and the educational challenges faced by boys in the Arab world.
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North Korea's COVID Crisis
- North Korea's zero-covid strategy failed, leading to a massive outbreak.
- Their refusal of vaccines and poor healthcare system spell disaster.
Healthcare Crisis in North Korea
- North Korea lacks testing, tracing, and adequate medical resources.
- Pre-existing conditions like tuberculosis and malnutrition worsen the situation.
North Korea's Options
- North Korea needs external help for vaccinations, likely from China or South Korea.
- However, their current approach involves self-treatment with remedies like saltwater rinses.