In the stores and buses of&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;masks are rare even as Covid-19 spreads widely, vaccines are viewed with suspicion and the sick see hospitals as a last resort.

At Al-Shifaa Hospital in the capital Baghdad, the ramifications are clear.&nbsp;

"More than 95 percent of those sick with Covid-19 in intensive care are unvaccinated," said Ali Abdel Hussein Kazem, assistant director of the facility.

Half of the 40 intensive care beds are occupied in the department, where&nbsp;irregular beeping from monitors and IV machines is constantly heard.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-thousands-mark-2020-killing-of-iran-general-qassem-soleimani-441653">Iraq: Thousands mark 2020 killing of Iran general Qassem Soleimani</a>

Al-Shifaa hospital has been turned into a Covid treatment centre since the start of the pandemic and can treat 175 patients.

Linked to breathing devices, an old man and a young woman share a large room, where a family member is allowed to monitor them -- masked and in a white protective outfit.

Next door, a man in his 60s fidgets, pushing away his blanket. An asthmatic, he is also hooked up to a ventilator.

"He says he is suffocating," an alarmed relative said, summoning a doctor.

Iraq's public health system, already worn down by decades of war, under-investment and corruption, has struggled to cope with the coronavirus.

Since January,&nbsp;Iraq's 40 million people have been confronted with a fourth coronavirus wave, but -- unlike other countries -- the government has not imposed any restrictions.

Iraq&nbsp;has recorded more than 2.2 million infections and 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began two years ago, but data released by the authorities indicates that infections are now declining to around 2,000 new cases per day.

Despite 1,400 vaccination centres, officials struggle to overcome scepticism about the jabs, which health experts around the world say are saving lives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-uk-minister-resigns-iraq-rocket-attack-and-more-438084">Morning news brief: UK minister resigns, Iraq rocket attack and more</a>

Help from abroad

Fewer than 10 million people in&nbsp;Iraq, about a quarter of the population, have been vaccinated, said health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr.

Among them, not even seven million have received two doses, and those with a booster number less than 100,000.

In neighbouring Iran, 66 percent of the 83-million population have received two doses.

"About 90 percent of the sick are older than 60," said Al-Shifaa's intensive care director Mohammed Salih, as he made his morning rounds, checking X-rays and giving instructions.

"Most have chronic conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease," Salih said, accompanied by doctors and nurses from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a charity which is assisting the hospital.

Along with training that aims to "sustain the care", the MSF programme begun in November provides physiotherapy and mental health care, said Daniel Uche, a physician who heads the project.

Countering misinformation is another priority.

"Most of the pregnant women we admitted in our facility are not vaccinated because they are afraid for their precious babies, that maybe if they take the vaccine it will have an effect" on the infant, said Uche.&nbsp;

Salih said he noticed another trend: "Most of the patients come in only after reaching a critical stage."

They prefer to stay at home because of "social media" and "rumours" which minimise the gravity of the coronavirus or which raise suspicions about the vaccines, he added.

Those are the latest challenges for a health system crippled by decades of war and especially an international embargo under the dictator Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led 2003 invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-new-zealand-police-clash-with-anti-vaccine-demonstrators-455231">COVID-19: New Zealand police clash with anti-vaccine demonstrators</a>

"People are afraid of hospital because of rumours that say they won't get proper care, and that we won't be interested in looking after them," a nurse said, requesting anonymity.

Two deadly fires at public hospital Covid-19 units last year sparked outrage among the population. One blaze killed more than 80 people in Baghdad in April and three months later another claimed at least 60 lives in Nasiriyah, southern&nbsp;Iraq.

Be careful

Authorities acknowledge that challenges abound for a sector dealing with ageing equipment and shortages.

Badr, the ministry spokesman, said the health infrastructure in some provinces "was entirely destroyed" in the war against the Islamic State group jihadists from 2014-2017.&nbsp;

The health budget of the oil-rich country does not even receive two percent of state expenditures.

"For previous governments health care was not a priority," said Badr, adding that even though the system is challenged it is ready to help those who are sick with Covid-19.

"We have thousands of beds available for people who would have breathing difficulties. We also have medicine and the necessary equipment, as well as vaccines," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-from-iraq-to-afghanistan-americas-trail-of-deaths-437226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At Al-Shifaa, Farouk Naoum, 75, is leaving hospital after his recovery. He was among the minority of Iraqis vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine but despite the protection it offered, he still got infected.

"You have to be careful, very careful," he said after his 31 days of treatment.

In the stores and buses of Iraq masks are rare even as Covid-19 spreads widely, vaccines are viewed with suspicion and the sick see hospitals as a last resort. At Al-Shifaa Hospital in the capital Baghdad, the ramifications are clear.

In the stores and buses of Iraq masks are rare even as Covid-19 spreads widely, vaccines are viewed with suspicion and the sick see hospitals as a last resort. At Al-Shifaa Hospital in the capital Baghdad, the ramifications are clear. "More than 95 percent of those sick with Covid-19 in intensive care are unvaccinated," said Ali Abdel Hussein Kazem, assistant director of the facility. Half of the 40 intensive care beds are occupied in the department, where irregular beeping from monitors and IV machines is constantly heard. Also read | Iraq: Thousands mark 2020 killing of Iran general Qassem Soleimani Al-Shifaa hospital has been turned into a Covid treatment centre since the start of the pandemic and can treat 175 patients. Linked to breathing devices, an old man and a young woman share a large room, where a family member is allowed to monitor them -- masked and in a white protective outfit. Next door, a man in his 60s fidgets, pushing away his blanket. An asthmatic, he is also hooked up to a ventilator. "He says he is suffocating," an alarmed relative said, summoning a doctor. Iraq's public health system, already worn down by decades of war, under-investment and corruption, has struggled to cope with the coronavirus. Since January, Iraq's 40 million people have been confronted with a fourth coronavirus wave, but -- unlike other countries -- the government has not imposed any restrictions. Iraq has recorded more than 2.2 million infections and 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began two years ago, but data released by the authorities indicates that infections are now declining to around 2,000 new cases per day. Despite 1,400 vaccination centres, officials struggle to overcome scepticism about the jabs, which health experts around the world say are saving lives. Also read | Morning news brief: UK minister resigns, Iraq rocket attack and more Help from abroad Fewer than 10 million people in Iraq, about a quarter of the population, have been vaccinated, said health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr. Among them, not even seven million have received two doses, and those with a booster number less than 100,000. In neighbouring Iran, 66 percent of the 83-million population have received two doses. "About 90 percent of the sick are older than 60," said Al-Shifaa's intensive care director Mohammed Salih, as he made his morning rounds, checking X-rays and giving instructions. "Most have chronic conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease," Salih said, accompanied by doctors and nurses from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a charity which is assisting the hospital. Along with training that aims to "sustain the care", the MSF programme begun in November provides physiotherapy and mental health care, said Daniel Uche, a physician who heads the project. Countering misinformation is another priority. "Most of the pregnant women we admitted in our facility are not vaccinated because they are afraid for their precious babies, that maybe if they take the vaccine it will have an effect" on the infant, said Uche. Salih said he noticed another trend: "Most of the patients come in only after reaching a critical stage." They prefer to stay at home because of "social media" and "rumours" which minimise the gravity of the coronavirus or which raise suspicions about the vaccines, he added. Those are the latest challenges for a health system crippled by decades of war and especially an international embargo under the dictator Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led 2003 invasion. Also read | COVID-19: New Zealand police clash with anti-vaccine demonstrators "People are afraid of hospital because of rumours that say they won't get proper care, and that we won't be interested in looking after them," a nurse said, requesting anonymity. Two deadly fires at public hospital Covid-19 units last year sparked outrage among the population. One blaze killed more than 80 people in Baghdad in April and three months later another claimed at least 60 lives in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq. Be careful Authorities acknowledge that challenges abound for a sector dealing with ageing equipment and shortages. Badr, the ministry spokesman, said the health infrastructure in some provinces "was entirely destroyed" in the war against the Islamic State group jihadists from 2014-2017. The health budget of the oil-rich country does not even receive two percent of state expenditures. "For previous governments health care was not a priority," said Badr, adding that even though the system is challenged it is ready to help those who are sick with Covid-19. "We have thousands of beds available for people who would have breathing difficulties. We also have medicine and the necessary equipment, as well as vaccines," he said. Watch | Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths At Al-Shifaa, Farouk Naoum, 75, is leaving hospital after his recovery. He was among the minority of Iraqis vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine but despite the protection it offered, he still got infected. "You have to be careful, very careful," he said after his 31 days of treatment.

Even as Covid rages in Iraq, vaccines viewed with suspicion

Anti-vaxxers and&nbsp;vaccine sceptics are rushing to get fake coronavirus jab certificates in Russia where&nbsp;inoculations have become&nbsp;mandatory.

Russians are finding dealers online hawking fake vaccine certificates and sending them their&nbsp;personal details over encrypted messenger Telegram and transferring&nbsp;15,000 rubles ($200 or 175 euros) as payment.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/health-experts-rattled-by-anti-vaxxers-anti-vaccination-protests-across-europe-300821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Later when they login to&nbsp;Russia's government services portal to find a certificate showing they&nbsp;have&nbsp;received both doses of the country's homegrown Sputnik V vaccine,&nbsp;without ever having been jabbed.

Russia&nbsp;last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective.&nbsp;

Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling.

That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database.

While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-anti-vaxxers-pose-biggest-challenge-to-vaccination-campaign-worldwide-347580">Why anti-vaxxers pose biggest challenge to vaccination campaign worldwide</a>

Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available.&nbsp;A host of other Russian regions followed suit.

Restaurant-goers in Moscow will also need to show proof of vaccination or previous infection starting from June 28, and further restrictive measures are expected as authorities move from persuasion to coercion in a bid to get more Russians vaccinated.

Moscow authorities say the measures are working, with some 60,000 people per day, 10 times more than before, now signing up for vaccination appointments.&nbsp;

But one seller on a darknet forum, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that 20 to 30 orders for fake certificates were coming in daily.

"I'm getting asked to vaccinate whole companies," the seller boasted in an exchange on Telegram.

At the low end of the black market, Russians can get a paper booklet certifying they were vaccinated for 2,000 rubles ($28, 23 euros).

At the top end, for 30,000 rubles ($400, 350 euros) middlemen say they can get a medical worker to pour out vaccine doses and upload falsified medical records to the government portal.

'Jab down the drain'&nbsp;

That's hardly difficult to imagine, said Pavel Brand, the director of a chain of family clinics in Moscow, pointing to doubts among&nbsp;Russia's medical workers about vaccines.&nbsp;

This spring, a survey by the independent Levada Centre showed that 31 percent of Russian doctors did not trust Sputnik V and 23 percent did not plan to be inoculated against Covid.

Authorities are moving to crack down on the black market, with Moscow police opening two dozen criminal cases into "the manufacture and sale of fictitious certificates" and announcing three arrests this week.

The black market is just part of a much bigger problem that has seen only 16.2 million of&nbsp;Russia's 146 million people fully vaccinated -- deep-seated distrust in the country's vaccine-producing capabilities.

Alexei, a 47-year-old IT professional who purchased a certificate for a friend working in the service industry, said he and the friend are not anti-vaxxers.

"I would probably still prefer to be vaccinated, but with an imported vaccine," he said in an exchange on a darknet forum.

Brand said that sentiment stems from a broader belief that anything foreign-produced -- from an automobile to a vaccine -- is likely to be better.

Russia's bureaucratic medical apparatus has also made people adept at finding workarounds, he added, a legacy of a cumbersome Soviet system.&nbsp;

The black market is only one way to get around vaccinating, and there are other "much simpler" methods, said Brand. &nbsp;

"People just go to the clinic and give a certain nurse money" to dispose of vaccine doses and make a false registration, he said.&nbsp;

The method,&nbsp;so widespread in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that it is known as "jab down the drain", has been used for years by nurses with mothers hesitant to vaccinate their children, Brand said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Anti-vaxxers and vaccine sceptics are rushing to get fake coronavirus jab certificates in Russia where inoculations have become mandatory. Russians are finding dealers online hawking fake vaccine certificates and sending them their personal details over encrypted messenger Telegram and transferring 15,000 rubles ($200 or 175 euros) as payment.

Anti-vaxxers and vaccine sceptics are rushing to get fake coronavirus jab certificates in Russia where inoculations have become mandatory. Russians are finding dealers online hawking fake vaccine certificates and sending them their personal details over encrypted messenger Telegram and transferring 15,000 rubles ($200 or 175 euros) as payment. Later when they login to Russia's government services portal to find a certificate showing they have received both doses of the country's homegrown Sputnik V vaccine, without ever having been jabbed. Russia last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective. Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling. That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database. While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned. Also read| Why anti-vaxxers pose biggest challenge to vaccination campaign worldwide Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available. A host of other Russian regions followed suit. Restaurant-goers in Moscow will also need to show proof of vaccination or previous infection starting from June 28, and further restrictive measures are expected as authorities move from persuasion to coercion in a bid to get more Russians vaccinated. Moscow authorities say the measures are working, with some 60,000 people per day, 10 times more than before, now signing up for vaccination appointments. But one seller on a darknet forum, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that 20 to 30 orders for fake certificates were coming in daily. "I'm getting asked to vaccinate whole companies," the seller boasted in an exchange on Telegram. At the low end of the black market, Russians can get a paper booklet certifying they were vaccinated for 2,000 rubles ($28, 23 euros). At the top end, for 30,000 rubles ($400, 350 euros) middlemen say they can get a medical worker to pour out vaccine doses and upload falsified medical records to the government portal. 'Jab down the drain' That's hardly difficult to imagine, said Pavel Brand, the director of a chain of family clinics in Moscow, pointing to doubts among Russia's medical workers about vaccines. This spring, a survey by the independent Levada Centre showed that 31 percent of Russian doctors did not trust Sputnik V and 23 percent did not plan to be inoculated against Covid. Authorities are moving to crack down on the black market, with Moscow police opening two dozen criminal cases into "the manufacture and sale of fictitious certificates" and announcing three arrests this week. The black market is just part of a much bigger problem that has seen only 16.2 million of Russia's 146 million people fully vaccinated -- deep-seated distrust in the country's vaccine-producing capabilities. Alexei, a 47-year-old IT professional who purchased a certificate for a friend working in the service industry, said he and the friend are not anti-vaxxers. "I would probably still prefer to be vaccinated, but with an imported vaccine," he said in an exchange on a darknet forum. Brand said that sentiment stems from a broader belief that anything foreign-produced -- from an automobile to a vaccine -- is likely to be better. Russia's bureaucratic medical apparatus has also made people adept at finding workarounds, he added, a legacy of a cumbersome Soviet system. The black market is only one way to get around vaccinating, and there are other "much simpler" methods, said Brand. "People just go to the clinic and give a certain nurse money" to dispose of vaccine doses and make a false registration, he said. The method, so widespread in Russia that it is known as "jab down the drain", has been used for years by nurses with mothers hesitant to vaccinate their children, Brand said. (With inputs from agencies)

Why anti-vaxxers are rushing to buy fake COVID-19 jab certificates in Russia

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