There has been reports of a surge in fresh coronavirus cases in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo with hospitals being overwhelmed.

The minister for health has written an open letter to aid agencies asking for equipment like testing kits, respirators and protective equipment for health workers, to help fight the pandemic.

At one government hospital in Antananarivo, the director says they are already treating 46 patients and only have space for four more.

Another administrator at a different facility said they were constantly overwhelmed.

The World Health Organization representative in Madagascar has warned that hospitals are saturated even before the peak of the pandemic in the country is reached.

There are over 7,153 coronavirus cases in Madagascar – nearly 80% of them were diagnosed in the past month with 62 dead. Two lawmakers were among the dead while 14 parliamentarians also tested positive for the virus. 

The spike has led government to reinstate a strict lockdown of the capital and surrounding areas.

Following the health minister’s request for assistance on Monday, Madagascar’s government spokesperson said it was not his duty to make appeals for help.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has insisted the country is able to manage the disease and has promoted an unproven herbal drink as a preventive cure.

Most countries that received consignments of Covid-Organics have since suspended its use. Nigeria’s health minister is on record to have said it was good for malaria treatment whiles recently, Congo republic also suspended its use over limited efficacy for treating COVID-19.