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CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR: Tell us how you have been hit.
BARHAM SALIH, IRAQI PRESIDENT: Well, undeniably, this coronavirus is a serious challenge for everybody and Iraq is no exception. Perhaps in the case of Iraq is even more of a challenge. Our health infrastructure is not as developed as it should be. However, we have mobilized with the help of the united nations and World Health Organization, health authorities have mobilized early on and have imposed stringent measures including lockdowns, curfews, closing down borders, suspending air travels. These, I hope, have helped delaying the curve or flattening the curve and we are working hard, we have to be very vigilant, remain vigilant and not be complacent about it. But the impact, obviously, in terms of the economy, in terms of the social dynamics has been quite huge. And the ramifications of this disease is yet to be fully, fully understood, especially in countries like Iraq because the challenges are huge. But so far, I would say I’m very proud of our health sector and health workers. I met a number of them today. Young people who are really battling this and this is an opportunity to say to them and to health workers across the world a big thank you because they are truly heroes who are trying to save lives. I met one doctor, a young doctor today who was telling me that he has not been to see his family for almost a month now. I mean, it is these stories of courage that, you know, brings out the best of societies in these difficult challenging times.
About This Episode EXPAND
Gary Cohn, President Trump’s former Chief Economic Adviser, discusses what reopening the U.S. economy will look like. In an exclusive interview, Iraq’s president Barham Salih explains his country’s response to COVID-19. Paul Romer and Dr. Rajiv Shah tell Hari Sreenivasan about their plan for a testing and data tracking program that will get people back to work before job losses become permanent.
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