WHO: Just over 1pc of Africa’s population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19

Grace Kuria

The World Health Organisation has stated that just over 1 percent of Africa’s population has been fully vaccinated.

WHO further stated that globally, around 2.7 billion Covid-19 doses have been administered, of which just under 1.5% have been administered in the continent.

Eighteen African countries have used over 80 percent of their COVAX vaccine supplies, with eight having exhausted their stocks. Twenty-nine countries have administered over 50 percent of their supplies.

The UN Health Agency has also announced that Africa is facing a fast-surging third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, with cases spreading more rapidly and projected to soon overtake the peak of the second wave the continent witnessed at the start of 2021.

Covid-19 cases have risen for five consecutive weeks since the onset of the third wave on 3 May 2021.

As of 20 June—day 48 into the new wave—Africa had recorded around 474,000 new cases, (a 21% increase compared with the first 48 days of the second wave.)

WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti said, “The third wave is picking up speed, spreading faster, hitting harder. With rapidly rising case numbers and increasing reports of serious illness, the latest surge threatens to be Africa’s worst yet.”

“Africa can still blunt the impact of these fast-rising infections, but the window of opportunity is closing. Everyone everywhere can do their bit by taking precautions to prevent transmission.” The Director added. – AFRICA CGTN.