Even as the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread to new countries, the World Health Organisation warned of a global shortage of medical equipment to combat the deadly virus. According to Reuters, the WHO has asked governments and companies to boost production of medical supplies 40 per cent. CNN reported that the shortage is impeding the fight against the COVID-19 that has so far claimed nearly 3,200 lives and infected over 94,000 others.

"Shortages are leaving doctors, nurses and other front line health care workers dangerously ill-equipped... The WHO has shipped nearly half a million sets of personal protective equipment to 27 countries, but supplies are rapidly depleting," CNN quoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying.