The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned of severe shortages of basic crucial vaccines in Libya due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, which led to the closure of borders and restriction of movement.

In a statement, UNICEF pointed out that 200 vaccine sites, chosen from Libya’s 700 sites, showed that each of the 200 sites were low on the BCG vaccine, used to protect children against tuberculosis (TB).

“There were also exceptionally low quantities of the Hexavalent vaccine, used to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, haemophilus B and hepatitis B,” read the statement.

UNICEF noted that polio and measles vaccines were rapidly diminishing and would be depleted by the end of this year unless urgent measures are undertaken to replenish the vital vaccines.