Africa’s Covid -19 deaths up.

Mirriam Madiye

Features Writer

• South Africa had 1 453 761 cumulative cases with 44 164 deaths and 1 299 620 recoveries.
• Zambia had a cumulative 54 217 cases, while deaths stood at 763 with 48 000 recoveries recorded.
• In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), said the country recorded 33 388 Covid -19 cases, 26 044 recoveries and 1 217 deaths as at January 31.

Covid-19 continues to stalk Africa with the continent recording 91 006 Covid -19 deaths as at January 31.

According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as at 9 am on February 1, the continent recorded 3 567 552 cases, 91 006 deaths and 3 052 143 recoveries.

On the other hand, Southern Africa continues to dominate with 1 703 391 cases, 48 902; deaths and 1 486 875 recoveries.

South Africa had 1 453 761 cumulative cases with 44 164 deaths and 1 299 620 recoveries.

Zambia had a cumulative 54 217 cases, while deaths stood at 763 with 48 000 recoveries recorded.

Namibia had 33 944 cumulative cases, 352 deaths and 32 378 recoveries.

In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), said the country recorded a cumulative 33 388 Covid -19 cases, 26 044 recoveries and 1 217 deaths as at January 31.

The country’s national recovery rate stands at 78 percent.

Africa is currently experiencing an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Last Friday, Africa CDC said it is working with partners and Member States to map the regional spread of the new variants in Africa through regional genomic surveillance.

In a statement, the Africa CDC also said they are also supporting laboratory centres of excellence to address the emerging SARS-CoV-2 sequencing needs of Member States and ensure availability of geographically representative and timely data.

The Africa CDC further revealed that it will provide technical guidance for genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa, and ensure quality-assured sequencing by specialized laboratories and regional laboratory hubs; and strengthen the capacity of national and regional laboratories to effectively respond to the emerging sequencing needs.