North Korea remains totally free of coronavirus, a senior health official insisted, despite mounting scepticism overseas as confirmed global infections approach one million.

The already isolated, nuclear-armed country quickly shut down its borders and imposed strict containment measures in January after the news became public that the virus was detected in neighbouring China.

More:

Pak Myong Su, director of North Korea's Central Emergency Anti-epidemic Headquarters, insisted the efforts had been completely successful.

"Not one single person has been infected with the novel coronavirus in our country so far," Pak said.

"We have carried out pre-emptive and scientific measures such as inspections and quarantine for all personnel entering our country and thoroughly disinfecting all goods, as well as closing borders and blocking sea and air lanes."

200319051628072

Nearly every other country has reported coronavirus cases, with the World Health Organization (WHO) saying on Wednesday there were nearly one million confirmed infections globally.

Aside from China, South Korea endured one of the worst early outbreaks of the virus, which has killed more than 45,000 people around the world.

Experts have said North Korea is particularly vulnerable to coronavirus because of its weak medical system and international sanctions, which has created food shortages in the country.

The United Nations estimates 10.3 million people - almost half the country's population - are in need and some 41 percent of North Koreans are undernourished.

'Going through something'

In March, Kim Jong Un penned a personal letter to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, breaking months of diplomatic silence.

While the contents of the letter were not released to the public, Moon's senior press secretary stated it was full of concern and well-wishes about the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, causing some to question if North Korea was readying for coronavirus aid.

The top US military commander in South Korea, General Robert Abrams, said last month he was "fairly certain" North Korea had confirmed cases of the virus.

200219132141267

US President Donald Trump also said North Korea "is going through something" and offered "cooperation in the anti-epidemic work" in a personal letter to Kim.

Pyongyang, which is subject to multiple international sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, has sought virus-related aid.

In February, Russia's foreign ministry said it provided Pyongyang with 1,500 coronavirus diagnostic test kits at its request "due to the persisting risk of the new COVID-19".

The UN has granted sanctions exemptions to relief groups, including Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) and UNICEF, on items such as diagnostic kits, face masks, protective equipment and disinfectants.

It was not immediately clear whether those supplies had been transferred to North Korea.

The WHO plans to spend $900,000 to support Pyongyang's coronavirus response activities, according to data posted on the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs website.