TheCable

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says COVID-19 cases in Africa have increased by 52 percent in the past week.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, disclosed this in a media briefing on Friday.

The comes amid concerns over new variants of COVID-19 said to be responsible for increased infection rates.

The DG noted that deaths in Africa have also increased by 32 percent and added that the situation is expected to worsen.

He said the failure to distribute vaccines equitably around the world has caused the virus to take its toll on poorer countries.

“After 18 months, the ineffective use of public health and social measures, increased social mixing, and vaccine inequity continue to give COVID-19 an opportunity to mutate, spread, and kill,” he said.

‘The global failure to share vaccines equitably is fueling a two track pandemic that’s now taking its toll on some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

“Every region has countries that are now facing a steep increase in cases and deaths. In Africa, cases have increased by 52 percent just in the past week, and deaths have increased by 32 percent and we expect things to only get worse.

“Less than 1 percent of Africa’s population has been vaccinated. Vaccines donated next year will be far too late for those dying today, being infected today, or at risk today. Our global target are to vaccinate at least 10% of the population of every country by September, at least 40 percent by the end of this year, and 70 percent by the end of next year. These are the critical milestones we must reach together to end the pandemic.”

WHO had said Africa is currently experiencing the third wave of COVID-19 and added that it is time to step up on vaccinations.