With the first case of COVID-19 now confirmed in Libya, the International Rescue Committee is warning that an outbreak of the disease could have a devastating impact on the country, where conflict continues to tear people’s lives apart.

In a statement, IRC stressed that despite the disease having been declared a global pandemic, there is no sign of a ceasefire in sight and hostilities escalated dramatically in recent days. 

As a result of the ongoing conflict, Libya’s health system is severely challenged to meet the needs of all within Libya’s borders. 1.7 million people are already in extreme need of health assistance.