COVID-19 African region (WHO Africa, Week 23: 29 MAY-04 JUNE 2023)

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 48: 22 – 28 November 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 28 November 2021
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

6 185 142 Cases
152 187 Deaths
2.5% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The WHO African region reported 40 721 new cases of coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) in the past seven days (22 – 28 November
2021), reflecting an 84.0% increase compared to the previous
week. Twelve countries (Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini,
Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa,
and Zimbabwe) saw a 20% or more increase in weekly cases
compared to the preceding week.

Twenty (43.0%) countries reported a decrease of 20% or more in
the number of new cases compared to the previous week. These
countries are Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,
Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho,
Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, and the United Republic of
Tanzania.

Nearly all the new cases reported in the past week are
concentrated in the top five countries, with 91.0% (36 835) of the
cases recorded; namely South Africa (31 544 new cases, 704.0%
increase, 52.3 new cases per 100 000 population); Mauritius
(2 498 new cases, 73.0% decrease, 196 new cases per 100 000);
Algeria (1 200 new cases, 22.0% increase, 2.7 new cases per 100
000); Ethiopia (1 062 new cases, 23.0% decrease, 0.9 new cases
per 100 000); and Mauritania (531 new cases, 3.3% increase,
11.0 new cases per 100 000).

During the same reporting period, a drop in weekly COVID-19
deaths in the African region was observed as 441 deaths were
reported in 26 countries, a 4.0% decline compared with the
previous week. The highest numbers of new deaths were reported
from South Africa (223 new deaths; 148.0% increase; 0.4 new
deaths per 100 000 population), Ethiopia (58 new deaths; 2.0%
decrease; 0.0 new deaths per 100 000), Algeria (37 new deaths;
0.0% change; 0.1 new deaths per 100 000), Mauritius (31 new
deaths; 72.0% decrease; 2.4 new deaths per 100 000) and
Mauritania (13 new deaths; 18.0% increase; 0.3 new deaths per
100 000).

Only four countries, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritius, and
Niger are undergoing a COVID-19 resurgence.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the African
region, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases
is 6 185 142, with more than 5.8 million recoveries, giving a
recovery rate of 94.4%. The total number of deaths now stands at
152 187, accounting for a CFR of 2.5%. The WHO African Region
remains one of the least affected regions in the world, accounting
for 2.5% of global cases and 3.0% of global deaths.

Overall, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 2 961 406 cases (48.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 371 262 (6.0%), Kenya 254 951 (4.1%),
Nigeria 213 982 (3.5%), and Algeria 210 152 (3.4%), accounting
for 65.0% (4 011 753) of all cases. The average cumulative
attack rate (number of cases per million) in the African region
is estimated at 5 668 per million population, ranging from 306
to 239 590 per million population. Seychelles (239 590 cases
per million population), Botswana (79 567 cases/million), Cabo
Verde (69 757 cases/million), (Namibia 51 777 cases/million) and
South Africa (50 572 cases/million), are the top countries with
the highest attack rate in the region. Burkina Faso (761 cases/
million), Democratic Republic of the Congo (671 cases/million),
United Republic of Tanzania (453 cases/million), Chad (320
cases/million) and Niger (306 cases/million), have the lowest
cumulative attack rate

Likewise, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 59.0% (89 797) of all deaths. Ethiopia has
the second-highest number of deaths (6 740 deaths, 4.4%)
followed by Algeria (6 058, 4.0%), Kenya (5 333, 3.5%) and
Zimbabwe (4 705, 3.1%), all accounting for 74.0% (112 633)
of all deaths reported in the region. The median number of
deaths per million in the African region is estimated at 69.0/
million population (range: 1.1/million –1 533/million) with an
average cumulative death rate (per million) in the African region
estimated at 140 million population. South Africa (1 530 deaths/
million population), Namibia (1 431/million), Seychelles (1 250/
million), Eswatini (1 087 million), Botswana (986 million) and
Cabo Verde (635 million) are the five countries with the highest
number of COVID-19 related deaths per million population. Niger
(10.6/million population), Chad (11.0/million population) Burkina
Faso (11.3/million), South Sudan (12.0/million) and United
Republic of Tanzania (12.5/million) have the lowest number of
COVID-19 related deaths per million population.

In the past seven days, 47 new health worker infections were
reported from Cameroon (39), Kenya (6) and Namibia (2).
An additional 803 health worker infections were reported
retrospectively from Gambia. Thus far, there have been 144 694
COVID-19 infections (2.4% of all cases) among health workers in
the region, with South Africa accounting for 49.0% (71 113) of
the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.3%), Kenya (7 842, 5.4%),
Zimbabwe (5 404, 3.7%) and Mozambique (4 779, 3.3%) have
also recorded high numbers of health worker infections. Other
countries reporting health worker infections are shown in Table
1. The United Republic of Tanzania (13.0%), Liberia (6.0%),
Algeria (5.7%), Chad (5.7%), and Niger (5.2%) have the highest
proportion of health worker infections by country. Only Eritrea
has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

The African continent has recorded more than 8.7 million cases of
COVID-19, with more than 223 100 deaths (CFR 2.5%) and more
than 8.1 million people have recovered. The African continent
accounts for 3.4% of global cases and 4.3% of global deaths.

More than 333 million COVID-19 doses have been received in
African countries and 68% of these (226 million) of these doses
have been administered. Around 98 million people in Africa are
fully vaccinated. This equates to 7.1% of the African population.
In comparison, 68% of people in the United Kingdom have
been fully vaccinated; 58% in the United States; and 67% in the
European Union.

WHO has designated the variant B.1.1.529 a variant of concern,
named Omicron, basing on the emerging evidence from South
Africa that the variant has caused a detrimental change in
COVID-19 epidemiology. Preliminary information shows that
many cases have been reported in South Africa and Botswana.
Apart from Southern Africa, the variant has been found in
Belgium, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, United
Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Czech Republic and Hong
Kong.. Early analysis shows that this variant has a large number
of mutations that require further study. It will take a few weeks for
us to understand the potential impacts of this variant.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New COVID-19 cases have increased for the first time in the
past 4 months. The two top countries, South Africa and Algeria,
have recorded a very high increase in new cases for the second
consecutive week. On the contrary, COVID-19 deaths have shown
a sustained decline. WHO is currently monitoring a new variant
of concern (Omicron) that has so far been identified in Botswana
and South Africa. There is a need to enhance surveillance and
sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARS-CoV-2
variants. African region also needs to step up implementation of
all public health and social measures to prevent transmission of
COVID-19.

...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/349801/OEW48-2228112021.pdf

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 49: 29 November – 5 December 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 5 December 2021

...
Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

6 285 624 Cases
152 727 Deaths
2.4% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The WHO African region reported 85 111 new cases of
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the past seven days
(29 November – 5 December 2021), reflecting an 99.0% increase
compared to the previous week. Sixteen countries (Cabo Verde,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Gambia, Kenya,
Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal,
South Africa, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe) saw a 20% or more
increase in weekly cases compared to the past week.

A total of 17 (36.0%) countries reported a decrease of 20% or
more in the number of new cases compared to the previous week.
These countries are Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Rwanda,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and the United Republic of
Tanzania. Four countries namely, Benin, Chad, Niger and Sao
Tome and Principe had no significant change in their weekly
COVID-19 cases.

Nearly all the new cases reported in the past week are
concentrated in the top five countries, with 92.3% (78 579) of
the cases recorded. These countries nclude; South Africa (70 288
new cases, 122.0% increase, 116.4 new cases per 100 000
population); Zimbabwe (5 055 new cases, 1369.0% increase,
33.3 new cases per 100 000); Algeria (1 317 new cases, 10.0%
increase, 2.9 new cases per 100 000); Eswatini (966 new cases,
1794% increase, 82.0 new cases per 100 000) and Ethiopia (953
new cases, 10.3% decrease, 0.8 new cases per 100 000).

During the same reporting period, a drop in weekly COVID-19
deaths in the African region was observed as 414 deaths were
reported in 25 countries, a 37.0% decline compared with the
previous week when 567 deaths were recorded. The highest
numbers of new deaths were reported from South Africa (169
new deaths; 24.0% decrease; 0.3 new deaths per 100 000
population), Mauritius (67 new deaths; 51.0% decrease; 5.3 new
deaths per 100 000), Ethiopia (60 new deaths; 4.0% increase;
0.1 new deaths per 100 000), Algeria (45 new deaths; 22.0%
increase; 0.1 new deaths per 100 000), and Mali (13 new deaths;
0.0% change; 0.1 new deaths per 100 000).

Only five countries, namely Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, Mauritius,
and Niger are undergoing a COVID-19 resurgence.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the African
region, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases
is 6 285 624, with more than 5.8 million recoveries, giving a
recovery rate of 94.4%. The total number of deaths now stands at
152 727, accounting for a CFR of 2.4%. The WHO African Region
is one of the least affected regions in the world, accounting for
2.5% of global cases and 3.0% of global deaths.

Overall, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 031 694 cases (48.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 372 215 (6.0%), Kenya 255 437 (4.1%),
Nigeria 214 622 (3.4%), and Algeria 211 469 (3.4%), accounting
for 65.0% (4 085 437) of all cases. The average cumulative
attack rate (number of cases per million) in the African region is
estimated at 6 077 per million population, ranging from 310 to
242 264 per million population.

Similarly, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa, which
accounts for 59.0% (89 966) of all deaths. Ethiopia has the
second-highest number of deaths (6 800 deaths, 4.5%) followed
by Algeria (6 103, 4.0%), Kenya (5 335, 3.5%) and Zimbabwe
(4 710, 3.1%), all accounting for 74.0% (112 914) of all deaths
reported in the region. The median number of deaths per million
in the African region is estimated at 69.0/million population
(range: 1.1/million –1 533/million) with an average cumulative
death rate (per million) in the African region estimated at 147
million population.

In the past seven days, 12 new health worker infections were
reported from Kenya. Thus far, there have been 144 745
COVID-19 infections (2.4% of all cases) among health workers
in the region, with South Africa accounting for 49.0% (71 113) of
the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.3%), Kenya (7 854, 5.4%),
Zimbabwe (5 404, 3.7%) and Mozambique (4 779, 3.3%) have
also recorded high numbers of health worker infections. Other
countries reporting health worker infections are shown in Table
1. The United Republic of Tanzania (13.0%), Liberia (6.0%),
Algeria (5.6%), Chad (5.1%), and Niger (5.0%) have the highest
proportion of health worker infections by country. Only Eritrea
has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

The African continent has recorded more than 8.8 million cases of
COVID-19, with more than 224 050 deaths (CFR 2.5%) and more
than 8.1 million people have recovered. The African continent
accounts for 3.4% of global cases and 4.3% of global deaths.

As of 2 December 2021, more than 352 million COVID-19 doses
have been received in African countries and 67% of these (236
million) of these doses have been administered. Around 101
million people in Africa are fully vaccinated. This equates to 7.3%
of the African population. In comparison, 68% of people in the
United Kingdom have been fully vaccinated; 58% in the United
States; and 67% in the European Union. South Africa, Ethiopia,
Kenya, and Rwanda now offer vaccination for children ages 12
to 18.

Recent genomic sequencing results revealed the new variant of
concern, Omicron, which was the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant
among samples sequenced during November 2021.

Globally, over 308 cases of the Omicron variant have been
confirmed, by 14 countries, including six African countries:
Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe
as od 2 December 2021.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS TO HELP AFRICAN COUNTRIES
MANAGE OMICRON

In South Africa, WHO is deploying a surge team to Gauteng
Province to support surveillance, contact tracing, infection
prevention and treatment measures. Botswana is boosting
oxygen production and distribution, which are essential for
the treatment of critically ill patients.

Additional epidemiologists and laboratory experts are also
being mobilized to boost genomic sequencing in Botswana
Mozambique, and Namibia. WHO has also mobilized US$
12 million to support critical response activities in countries
across the region for the next three months.

African countries are also refining operational plans for
stronger disease surveillance and investigations. WHO is
urging countries to take key steps to enhance efforts to
track the Omicron variant, including ensuring their PCR
testing equipment can detect it, increasing their sampling
and sequencing of COVID-19 test samples by at least double
to 150 samples a week from the current average of 75,
and review past sequencing samples for potential signs of
Omicron. This is an aggressive approach to speed up the
determination of Omicron’s characteristics.

Logistics team will map out available supplies and consider
prepositioning additional commodities.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New COVID-19 cases have increased for the second time in the past
4 months. Countries in Southern Africa, have recorded a very high
increase in new cases in the past seven days. At the same time,
COVID-19 deaths have shown a sustained decline. WHO is currently
monitoring a new variant of concern (Omicron) that was first
identified in Southern Africa. There is a need to enhance surveillance
and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARSCoV-2 variants.
African region also needs to step up implementation of all public health and
social measures to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/350196/OEW49-291105122021.pdf

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 50: 6 – 12 December 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 12 December 2021
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

6 479 868 Cases
153 232 Deaths
2.4% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The WHO African region reported 184 671 new cases of
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the past seven days (6 – 12
December 2021), accounting for a 96.0% increase compared
to the previous week. A total of 18 countries (Angola, Burundi,
Eswatini, Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique,
Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, Uganda,
Zambia and Zimbabwe) saw a 20% or more increase in weekly
cases compared to the past week, though the number of cases in
many of these countries remain low compared to previous waves.

Twenty (43.0%) countries reported a decrease of 20% or more
in the number of new cases compared to the previous week.
These countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde,
Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon,
Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Sao
Tome and Principle, and the United Republic of Tanzania. Guinea
Bissau and Sierra Leone had no significant changes in their
weekly COVID-19 cases.

Almost all the new cases reported in the past week are reported
from the top five countries, with 94.0% (173 645) of the cases
recorded. These countries include: South Africa (135 803 new
cases, 93.2% increase, 224.9 new cases per 100 000 population);
Zimbabwe (28 094 new cases, 456.0% increase, 185.1 new
cases per 100 000); Eswatini (5 139 new cases, 432.0% increase,
436.0 new cases per 100 000), Nigeria (2 859 new cases, 439.4%
increase, 1.3 new cases per 100 000); and Mozambique (1 750
new cases, 337.5% increase, 5.4 new cases per 100 000).

During the same reporting period, a fall in weekly COVID-19
deaths in the WHO African region was observed as 381 deaths
were reported in 24 countries, a 27.0% decline compared with
the previous week when 853 deaths were recorded. The highest
numbers of new deaths were reported from South Africa (171 new
deaths; 1.2% increase; 0.3 new deaths per 100 000 population),
Algeria (42 new deaths; 6.7% decrease; 0.1 new deaths per
100 000), Mauritius (34 new deaths; 73.0% decrease; 3.0 new
deaths per 100 000), Ethiopia (29 new deaths; 52.0% decrease;
0.1 new deaths per 100 000), and Zimbabwe (28 new deaths;
460.0% increase; 0.2 new deaths per 100 000).

Seven countries, namely Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, Mauritius,
Niger, South Africa and Zimbabwe are undergoing a COVID-19
resurgence.

The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases
is 6 479 868, with more than 5.9 million recoveries, giving a
recovery rate of 92.0%. The total number of deaths now stands at
153 232, accounting for a CFR of 2.4%. The WHO African Region
is one of the least affected regions in the world, accounting for
2.5% of global cases and 2.9% of global deaths.

Largely, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 167 497 cases (49.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 373 115 (6.0%), Kenya 256 335 (4.0%),
Nigeria 217 481 (3.4%), and Algeria 212 848 (3.3%), accounting
for 65.2% (4 227 276) of all cases. The average cumulative attack
rate (number of cases per million) in the WHO African region is
estimated at 5 939 per million population, ranging from 315 to
244 825 per million population.

Equally, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa, which
accounts for 59.0% (90 137) of all deaths recorded in the region.
Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths (6 829 deaths,
4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 145, 4.0%), Kenya (5 348, 3.5%)
and Zimbabwe (4 738, 3.1%), all accounting for 74.0% (113 197)
of all deaths reported in the region. The median number of deaths
per million in the African region is estimated at 66.7/million
population (range: 1.1/million –1 539/million).

In the past seven days, 125 new health worker infections
were reported from Namibia (111), Kenya (9) and Cameroon
(5). Moreover, 30 health worker infections were reported
retrospectively from Eswatini. To date, there have been 144 898
COVID-19 infections (2.4% of all cases) among health workers in
the region, with South Africa accounting for 49.0% (71 113) of
the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.2%), Kenya (7 861, 5.4%),
Zimbabwe (5 404, 3.7%) and Mozambique (4 779, 3.3%) have
also recorded high numbers of health worker infections. Other
countries reporting health worker infections are shown in Table
1. The United Republic of Tanzania (13.0%), Liberia (6.0%),
Algeria (5.6%), Chad (5.1%), and Niger (5.0%) have the highest
proportion of health worker infections by country. Only Eritrea
has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

The African continent has recorded more than 9.0 million cases of
COVID-19, with more than 225 400 deaths (CFR 2.5%) and more
than 8.2 million people have recovered. The African continent
accounts for 3.4% of global cases and 4.3% of global deaths.
As of 10 December 2021, more than 372 million doses of various
COVID-19 vaccines have been received in African countries and
67% (248 million) of these doses have been administered. Around
107 million people in Africa are fully vaccinated, which sums up
to 7.6% of the African population. High-income countries have
administered 19 times more doses per person than low-income
countries.

Vaccine uptake continues to improve each month on the African
continent, however, there continues to be wide variation in
vaccine uptake for individual countries. In August, countries
administered 27 million doses during the four-week period,
while in November the number of doses given during one month
had increased to more than 45 million. Several countries are
also having difficulty reaching remote areas and need to further
engage with communities to communicate vaccination benefits.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The WHO African Region has observed a sustained increase of
COVID-19 cases. The number of countries reporting an increase in
COVID-19 cases has also increased as compared to the previous
week. South Africa and Zimbabwe are now in resurgence. On the
contrary, COVID-19 deaths have shown a sustained decline. Health
worker infections remain of concern as the numbers continue to
increase in several countries. WHO continues to monitor the new
variant of concern (Omicron). There is a need to enhance surveillance
and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating
SARS-CoV-2 variants. The WHO African region also needs
to step up implementation of all public health and social
measures to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/350534/OEW50-0612122021.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 51: 13 – 19 December 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 19 December 2021
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

6 714 553 Cases
153 778 Deaths
2.3% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

A total of 224 467 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
were reported in the WHO African region in the past seven days
(13 – 19 December 2021), accounting for a 15.3% increase
compared to the previous week. A total of 24 countries (Algeria,
Angola, Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini,
Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi,
Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia) saw a
20% or more increase in weekly cases compared to the past
week, though the number of cases in many of these countries
remain low compared to previous waves.

Fourteen (30.0%) countries reported a decrease of 20% or more
in the number of new cases compared to the previous week.
These countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gambia,
Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Namibia, Niger, and the United
Republic of Tanzania. Sao Tome and Principe had no significant
change in their weekly COVID-19 cases.

Almost all the new cases reported in the past week are reported
from the top five countries, with 84.0% (187 404) of the cases
recorded. These countries include South Africa (140 577 new
cases, 3.5% increase, 232.7 new cases per 100 000 population);
Zimbabwe (25 656 new cases, 8.7% decrease, 169.0 new cases
per 100 000); Eswatini (7 393 new cases, 44.0% increase, 628.0
new cases per 100 000), Kenya (7 372 new cases, 721.0%
increase, 13.3 new cases per 100 000); and Nigeria (6 406 new
cases, 124.0% increase, 3.0 new cases per 100 000).

During the same reporting period, a fall in weekly COVID-19
deaths in the WHO African region was observed as 435 deaths
were reported in 22 countries, a 10.0% decline compared with
the previous week when 482 deaths were recorded. The highest
numbers of new deaths were reported from South Africa (211 new
deaths; 23.4% increase; 0.3 new deaths per 100 000 population),
Zimbabwe (49 new deaths; 75.0% increase; 0.3 new deaths per
100 000), Algeria (39 new deaths; 7.1% decrease; 0.1 new deaths
per 100 000), Ethiopia (37 new deaths; 28.0% decrease; 0.0
new deaths per 100 000), and Mauritius (27 new deaths; 60.0%
decrease; 2.1 new deaths per 100 000).

Ten countries, namely Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mali, Niger, South Africa
and Zimbabwe are undergoing a COVID-19 resurgence.
The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is 6 714
553, with more than 6.0 million recoveries, giving a recovery rate
of 91.0%. The total number of deaths now stands at 153 778,
accounting for a CFR of 2.3%. The WHO African Region is one
of the least affected regions in the world, accounting for 2.5% of
global cases and 2.9% of global deaths.

South Africa has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases
in the region with 3 308 074 cases (49.3%), followed by Ethiopia
376 375 (6.0%), Kenya 263 707 (4.0%), Nigeria 223 887 (3.3%),
and Zambia 216 508 (3.2%), accounting for 65.3% (4 388
551) of all cases. The average cumulative attack rate (number
of cases per million) in the African region is estimated at 6 154
million population, ranging from 316 million to 247 150 million.
Seychelles (247 150 cases/million population), Botswana (81
590 cases/million population), Cabo Verde (70 170 cases/million
population), South Africa (56 492 cases/million) and Namibia
(53 996 cases/million), have the highest attack rate in the region.
Burkina Faso (807 cases/million), Democratic Republic of the
Congo (775 cases/million), United Republic of Tanzania (457
cases/million), Chad (358 cases/million) and Niger (316 cases/
million), are the five countries with the lowest cumulative attack
rate.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 59.0% (90 348) of all deaths recorded in
the region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths
(6 866 deaths, 4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 184, 4.0%), Kenya
(5 353, 3.5%) and Zimbabwe (4 787, 3.1%), all accounting for
74.0% (113 538) of all deaths reported in the region. The median
number of deaths per million in the African region is estimated at
67.8/million population (range: 1.1/million –1543/million). South
Africa (1 543 deaths/million), Namibia (1 435/million), Seychelles
(1 291/million), Eswatini (1 098/million), Botswana (990/million)
and Cabo Verde (640/million) have the highest number of
COVID-19 related deaths per million population. Burundi (1.1/
million population), Chad (11.4/million population,) Niger (12.0/
million), South Sudan (12.0/million) and United Republic of
Tanzania (12.7/million) have the lowest number of COVID-19
related deaths per million population.

A total of 265 new health worker infections were reported
from Kenya (186), Namibia (60), Malawi (18), Cameroon (3)
and Equatorial Guinea (1) in this reporting period. Moreover,
703 health worker infections were reported retrospectively
from Zimbabwe (611), Namibia (74), and Eswatini (18). At the
moment, there are 146 353 COVID-19 infections (2.2% of all
cases) among health workers in the region, with South Africa
accounting for 49.0% (71 113) of the total infections. Algeria (11
936, 8.2%), Kenya (8 531, 5.8 %), Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.1 %) and
Mozambique (4 779, 3.3%) have also recorded high numbers of
health worker infections. Other countries reporting health worker
infections are shown in Table 1. The United Republic of Tanzania
(13.0%), Liberia (6.0%), Algeria (5.6%), Chad (5.1%), and Niger
(5.0%) have the highest proportion of health worker infections
by country. Only Eritrea has not reported any healthcare worker
infections.

The African continent has recorded more than 9.2 million cases of
COVID-19, with more than 226 360 deaths (CFR 2.5%) and more
than 8.3 million people have recovered. The African continent
accounts for 3.3% of global cases and 4.3% of global deaths.
As of 17 December 2021, more than 460 million doses of various
COVID-19 vaccines have been received in African countries and
58% (268 million) of these doses have been administered. Around
115 million people in Africa are fully vaccinated, which sums up
to 8.0% of the African population. High-income countries have
administered 17 times more doses per person than low-income
countries.

Only four countries have already reached the target of having 40%
of its population vaccinated by 31 December 2021: Botswana,
Cabo Verde, Seychelles, and Mauritius. No additional countries
are currently projected to hit the 40% target by 31 December at
the current rate of supply and uptake. However, two countries
have reached the 70% target: Seychelles and Mauritius.
Globally, 8 705 omicron cases have been confirmed by 77 countries,
including 17 African countries: Algeria (1), Botswana (84), Ghana
(40), Kenya (1), Malawi (3), Mauritius (2), Mozambique (17),
Namibia (17), Nigeria (11), Rwanda (1), Senegal (7), Sierra Leone
(1) South Africa (1 247), Tunisia (1), Uganda (7), Zambia (3) and
Zimbabwe (45). African countries account for 16% (1 429 cases)
of Omicron cases reported globally as of 17 December 2021.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The WHO African Region has observed a sustained increase of
COVID-19 cases as the region’s fourth wave gains ground. The
number of countries reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases
has also increased as compared to the previous week. There is
a need to enhance surveillance and sequencing efforts to better
understand circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. The WHO African
region also needs to step up implementation of all public health
and social measures to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/350880/OEW51-1319122021.pdf

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 52: 20 – 26 December 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 26 December 2021
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

6 993 705 Cases
154 820 Deaths
2.2% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

African region in the past seven days (20 – 26 December 2021),
accounting for a 4.0% increase compared to the previous week.
Twenty-seven countries (Angola, Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoros,
Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia,
Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique,
Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and
Zambia) saw a 20% or more increase in weekly cases compared
to the past week, though the number of cases in many of these
countries remain low compared to previous waves.

A total of 12 (27.0%) countries reported a decrease of 20% or
more in the number of new cases compared to the previous week.
These countries are Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ghana,
Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Most of the new cases (69.0%) reported this week were from
South Africa (105 466; 42.0%), Ethiopia (22 321; 9.0%), Kenya
(18 847; 7.4%), Zambia (16 612; 6.5%) and Nigeria (13 674;
5.3%). All these top five countries have maintained high new daily
case counts.

Eleven (24.0%) countries reported a decline in reported deaths,
while 15 (33.0%) had an increase in the past seven days. Overall,
967 deaths, a 90.0% increase in daily deaths, reported by 31
countries, has been observed during the reporting week. South
Africa reported the highest number of deaths (466, 48.2%)
followed by Zimbabwe with 104 (11.0%), the Democratic
Republic of the Congo 79 (8.2%), Algeria 54 (5.6%) and Nigeria
37 (3.8%).

The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is
6 993 705, with more than 6.2 million recoveries, giving a
recovery rate of 89.0%. The total number of deaths now stands at
154 820, accounting for a CFR of 2.2%. The WHO African Region
is one of the least affected regions in the world, accounting for
2.5% of global cases and 2.9% of global deaths.

Mainly, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 413 540 cases (49.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 398 696 (6.0%), Kenya 282 554 (4.0%),
Nigeria 237 561 (3.4%), and Zambia 233 120 (3.3%), accounting
for 65.2% (4 565 471) of all cases. The average cumulative
attack rate (number of cases per million) in the African region is
estimated at 6 775 million population, ranging from 320/million
to 250 059 million.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 59.0% (90 814) of all deaths recorded in the
region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths (6 898
deaths, 4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 238, 4.0%), Kenya (5 361,
3.5%) and Zimbabwe (4 891, 3.1%), all accounting for 74.0%
(114 202) of all deaths reported in the region.

A total of 361 new health worker infections were reported from
Namibia (136), Namibia (153), Kenya (64), Eswatini (4), Liberia
(3) and Cameroon (1) in this reporting period. Moreover, 1 174
health worker infections were reported retrospectively from Kenya
(965), Uganda (145), and Kenya (64). At the moment, there are
148 491 COVID-19 infections (2.1% of all cases) among health
workers in the region, with South Africa accounting for 49.2%
(71 113) of the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.3 %), Kenya
(10 188, 3.4%), Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.0 %) and Mozambique
(4 779, 3.3%) have also recorded high numbers of health worker
infections. Other countries reporting health worker infections are
shown in Table 1. The United Republic of Tanzania (13.0%), Liberia
(6.0%), Algeria (5.6%), Chad (5.1%), and Niger (5.0%) have the
highest proportion of health worker infections by country. Only
Eritrea has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

The African continent has recorded more than 9.5 million cases of
COVID-19, with more than 227 816 deaths (CFR 2.4%) and more
than 8.5 million people have recovered. The African continent
accounts for 3.3% of global cases and 4.3% of global deaths.
Only five countries have already reached the target of having 40%
of its population vaccinated by 31 December 2021: Botswana,
Cabo Verde, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Rwanda. No additional
countries are currently projected to hit the 40% target by 31
December at the current rate of supply and uptake. However, two
countries have reached the 70% target: Seychelles and Mauritius.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New cases reported on the African continent have been falling
over the last four weeks. However, the weekly surge in infections
over the past week was significantly lower than the week before
due to a downward trend in Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, South
Africa and Zimbabwe. The number of deaths has also increased
in the past week. The WHO continues to emphasise that public
health measures work against all variants; thus all individuals
should keep a physical distance, wash hands, and continue
wearing masks during the festive season.
...
OEW52-2026122021.pdf (‎2.288Mb)‎

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 1: 27 December 2021 – 2 January 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 2 January 2022
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

7 275 913 Cases
156 009 Deaths
2.1% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

During the week of 28 December 2021- 2 January 2022, the
number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the WHO
African region decreased by 8.4% as compared to the previous
week; while the number of new deaths reported increased by
6.4% during the past week. A total of 257 695 new cases of were
reported in the past seven days with 22 countries (Algeria, Angola,
Cabo Verde, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique,
Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles,
Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia) saw a 20% or more
increase in weekly cases compared to the past week.

In the previous week, a total of 14 (30.0%) countries reported
a decrease of 20% or more in the number of new cases. These
countries are Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Liberia,
Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan and
the United Republic of Tanzania.

Most of the new cases (58.3%) reported this week were from
South Africa (58 896; 23.0%), Ethiopia (27 960; 11.0%), Zambia
(26 557; 10.3%), Mozambique (20 951; 8.1%) and Kenya (15 955;
6.2%). South Africa, Ethiopia and Kenya have maintained high
new daily case counts.

Eleven (24.0%) countries reported a decline in reported deaths,
while 15 (33.0%) had an increase in the past seven days. Overall,
1 114 deaths, a 6.4% increase in daily deaths, reported by 32
countries, has been observed during the reporting week. South
Africa reported the highest number of deaths (414, 37.2%)
followed by Zimbabwe with 141 (13.0%), Ethiopia 60 (5.4%),
Algeria 53 (4.6%) and Mozambique 51 (4.6%).

As of 2 January 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed
COVID-19 cases is 7 275 913, with more than 6.2 million
recoveries, giving a recovery rate of 88.0%. The total number of
deaths now stands at 156 009, accounting for a CFR of 2.1%. The
WHO African Region remains one of the least affected regions
in the world, accounting for 2.5% of global cases and 2.9% of
global deaths.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO
African region, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 472 436 cases (48.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 426 656 (6.0%), Kenya 298 509 (4.0%),
Zambia 259 677 (3.6%), and Nigeria 243 450 (3.4%), accounting
for 65.0% (4 700 728) of all cases.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 58.0% (91 228) of all deaths recorded in the
region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths (6 958
deaths, 4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 291, 4.0%), Kenya (5 384,
3.5%) and Zimbabwe (5 032, 3.2%), all accounting for 74.0%
(114 893) of all deaths reported in the region.

A total of 705 new health worker infections were reported from
Kenya (410), Malawi (172), Namibia (113), Eswatini (7), and
Equatorial Guinea (3) in this reporting period. To date, there
are 149 544 COVID-19 infections (2.1% of all cases) among
health workers in the region, with South Africa accounting for
48.0% (71 113) of the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.0%),
Kenya (10 934, 7.0%), Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.1%) and Namibia
(5 059, 3.4%) have also recorded high numbers of health worker
infections. Other countries reporting health worker infections are
shown in Table 1. The United Republic of Tanzania (11.4%), Liberia
(6.0%), Algeria (5.6%), Chad (5.0%), and Niger (5.0%) have the
highest proportion of health worker infections by country. Only
Eritrea has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

The African continent has recorded more than 9.8 million cases of
COVID-19, with more than 229 300 deaths (CFR 2.4%) and more
than 8.7 million people have recovered. The African continent
accounts for 3.3% of global cases and 4.3% of global deaths.

Five countries; including Botswana, Cabo Verde, Mauritius,
Seychelles, and Rwanda reached the target of having 40% of its
population vaccinated by 31 December 2021.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New cases reported in the African region fell in the past week
as compared to the prior week, while the number of new deaths
increased. This drop in cases should be interpreted cautiously
since it might be as a result of delayed reporting by countries
during the holiday season.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/350967/OEW01-271202012022.pdf

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 2: 3 – 9 January 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 9 January 2022
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

7 519 873 Cases
158 180 Deaths
2.1% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

During the week of 3 - 9 January 2022, the number of new
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the WHO African region
decreased by 18.3% as compared to the previous week; while
the number of new deaths reported increased by 77.0% during
the past week. A total of 225 460 new cases of were reported in
the past seven days from 42 countries. Benin, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Chad and the United Republic of Tanzania did
not report any new cases in the past seven days. Only 10 (22.0%)
countries (Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, GuineaBissau, Mali,
Mauritania, Niger, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal,
and Seychelles) saw a 20% or more increase in weekly cases
compared to the past week.

In the previous week, a total of 26 (30.0%) countries reported
a decrease of 20% or more in the number of new cases. These
countries are Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of
the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya,
Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra
Leone, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania
and Zimbabwe.

South Africa (53 618; 24.0%) reported the highest number
of cases. This was followed by Zambia (23 227; 10.3%),
Mozambique (17 946; 8.0%), Ethiopia (17 468; 8.0%), and
Kenya (10 621; 5.0%). South Africa, Ethiopia Kenya and Zambia
continue to report high new daily case counts.

A total of 13 countries (28.3%) reported a decline in reported
deaths, while 18 (33.0%) had an increase in the past seven days.
Overall, 2 099 deaths, a 77.0% increase in daily deaths, reported
by 31 countries, has been observed during the reporting week.
South Africa reported the highest number of deaths (1 225,
58.4%) followed by Zimbabwe with 128 (6.1%), Ethiopia 72
(3.4%), Zambia 69 (3.3%) and Mozambique 66 (3.1%).
As of 9 January 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed
COVID-19 cases is 7 519 873, with more than 6.6 million
recoveries, giving a recovery rate of 88.4%. The total number of
deaths now stands at 158 180, accounting for a CFR of 2.1%. The
WHO African Region remains one of the least affected regions
in the world, accounting for 2.4% of global cases and 2.9% of
global deaths.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO
African region, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 526 054 cases (47.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 444 124 (6.0%), Kenya 309 130 (4.0%),
Zambia 282 904 (3.8%), and Nigeria 248 312 (3.3%), accounting
for 64.0% (4 810 524) of all cases.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 58.0% (92 453) of all deaths recorded in the
region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths (7 030
deaths, 4.4%) followed by Algeria (6 339, 4.0%), Kenya (5 425,
3.4 %) and Zimbabwe (5 160, 3.3%), all accounting for 74.0%
(116 407) of all deaths reported in the region.

A total of 126 new health worker infections were reported from
Cameroon (82), Namibia (29) and Eswatini (15) in this reporting
period. Thus far, there are 149 767 COVID-19 infections (2.0% of
all cases) among health workers in the region, with South Africa
accounting for 48.0% (71 113) of the total infections. Algeria
(11 936, 8.0%), Kenya (10 934, 7.0%), Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.1%)
and Namibia (5 177, 3.4%) have also recorded high numbers of
health worker infections. Other countries reporting health worker
infections are shown in Table 1. The United Republic of Tanzania
(11.0%), Algeria (6.0%), Liberia (5.2%), Chad (5.0%), and Niger
(4.4%) have the highest proportion of health worker infections
by country. Only Eritrea has not reported any healthcare worker
infections.

Cumulative COVID-19 infections in the African continent exceeded
the 10 million mark. In addition more than 232 000 deaths (CFR
2.4%) and more than 9.0 million people have recovered. The
African continent accounts for 3.3% of global cases and 4.2% of
global deaths.

Around 130 million people are fully vaccinated, an approximate of
9.5% of the African population. An increasing number of African
countries are offering additional or booster doses to enhance or
restore immunity against infections, especially from the Omicron
variant. In some cases, additional or booster doses are being
offered to avoid wastage of vaccines with short shelf-life. African
countries administering third or booster doses include: Algeria,
Cabo Verde, Eswatini, Kenya, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia,
Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Togo, Uganda and
Zimbabwe.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

Weekly COVID-19 cases in the region decreased in the past
week, while the weekly COVID-19 deaths in Africa increased. Five
countries account for more than half of the weekly new cases:
South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Kenya. A
combination of vaccine inequalities and other health emergencies
continue to hinder COVID-19 response efforts in the WHO African
region.
...
OEW02-0309012022.pdf (‎1.946Mb)‎

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 3: 10 – 16 January 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 16 January 2022
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

7 676 209 Cases
160 183 Deaths
2.1% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

During the week of 10 - 16 January 2022, the number of new
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the WHO African region
fell by 43.0% as compared to the preceding week. Similarly, the
number of new deaths reported fell by 215.0% during the past
week. A total of 242 736 new cases of were reported in the past
seven days from 42 countries. Benin, Central African Republic,
and the United Republic of Tanzania did not report any new cases
in the past seven days. Only four (22.0%) countries (Algeria,
Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius) saw a 20% or more increase
in weekly cases compared to the past week.

In the previous week, a total of 37 (30.0%) countries reported a
decrease of 20% or more in the number of new cases (Table 1).
More than half of all the new cases reported in the past week are
concentrated in the top five countries, with 53.6% (74 560) of the
cases recorded; namely South Africa (33 176 new cases, 38.1%
decrease, 55.0 new cases per 100 000 population); Zambia (13
228 new cases, 43.0% decrease, 69 new cases per 100 000);
Ethiopia (13 198 new cases, 24.4% decrease, 11.1 new cases per
100 000); Mozambique (8 682 new cases, 52.0% decrease, 27.0
new cases per 100 000); and Kenya (6 276 new cases, 51.2%
decrease, 11.1 new cases per 100 000).

During the same reporting period, a drop in weekly COVID-19
deaths in the African region was observed as 1 884 deaths were
reported in 37 countries. A total of 17 countries (40.0%) reported
a decline in reported deaths, while 12 (26.0%) had an increase.
The highest numbers of new deaths were reported from South
Africa (911 new deaths; 25.6% decrease; 1.5 new deaths per
100 000 population), Ethiopia (117 new deaths; 63.0% increase;
0.1 new deaths per 100 000), Zimbabwe (87 new deaths; 32.0%
decrease; 0.6 new deaths per 100 000), Algeria (73 new deaths;
52.0% change; 0.2 new deaths per 100 000), and Namibia (69
new deaths; 13.0% decrease; 2.6 new deaths per 100 000).
As of 16 January 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed
COVID-19 cases is 7 676 209, with more than 6.8 million
recoveries, giving a recovery rate of 90.0%. The total number of
deaths now stands at 160 183, resulting in a CFR of 2.1%. The
WHO African Region accounts for 2.4% of global cases and 2.9%
of global deaths.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO
African region, South Africa has recorded the highest number
of COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 559 230cases (46.4%),
followed by Ethiopia 457 322 (6.0%), Kenya 317 634 (4.0%),
Zambia 296 132 (3.9%), and Nigeria 250 929 (3.3%), accounting
for 64.0% (4 881 247) of all cases.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 58.0% (93 364) of all deaths recorded in the
region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths (7 147
deaths, 4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 412, 4.0%), Kenya (5 488,
3.4%) and Zimbabwe (5 247, 3.3%), all accounting for 74.0%
(117 658) of all deaths reported in the region.

Namibia and Equatorial Guinea reported 53 and 14 new health
worker infections respectively in the past week. An additional 538
new health worker infections were reported retrospectively from
Malawi (513) and Eswatini (25). Cumulatively, there are 150 387
COVID-19 infections (2.0% of all cases) among health workers
in the region, with South Africa accounting for 48.0% (71 113)
of the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.0%), Kenya (10 934,
7.0%), Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.1%) and Namibia (5 230, 3.4%) have
also recorded high numbers of health worker infections. Other
countries reporting health worker infections are shown in Table
1. The United Republic of Tanzania (11.0%), Algeria (5.3%),
Liberia (5.0%), Chad (5.0%), and Niger (4.2%) have the highest
proportion of health worker infections by country. Only Eritrea
has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

Cumulative COVID-19 infections on the African continent stand at
10 480 163. In addition more than 234 380 deaths (CFR 2.4%)
and more than 9.2 million people have recovered. The African
continent accounts for 3.3% of global cases and 4.2% of global
deaths.

A total of 17 African countries are now offering COVID-19
vaccines to children, of which are vaccinating children aged
12 and older (Angola, Cabo Verde, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guinea,
Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda,
Seychelles and South Africa).

In 2022, the WHO continues to emphasise that coordination of
partners for more efficient vaccine delivery is paramount. WHO
is working to help improve operational and financial planning as
they accelerate COVID-19 vaccine rollout among member states.
Health economists have been recruited to support planning using
the COVID-19 Vaccine Introduction and deployment Costing
tool to identify costs. The health economists are also leading
in-country partner mapping efforts, working to clearly identify
funding sources and put an accountability framework in place to
ensure that planned activities are carried out.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The number of weekly COVID-19 cases in the WHO African
region decreased after five weeks of steep rise. This marks
the shortest-lived surge on the continent so far. Five countries
account for more than half of the weekly new cases: South Africa,
Zambia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Kenya. With just 10% of
Africa’s population fully vaccinated, our chances of limiting the
emergence and impact of deadly variants are slim unless we
ramp up vaccinations.

OEW03-1016012022.pdf (‎1.788Mb)‎

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 4: 17 – 23 January 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 23 January 2022
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

7 772 510 Cases
161 924 Deaths
2.1% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In the past week ending on 23 January 2022, 81 986 new
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were recorded in the
WHO African region, a 46.0% decrease when compared with the
prior week. The number of deaths also fell by 19.0% in the same
reporting period.

Nearly all countries (92.0%) reported a decrease of 20% or more
in the number of new cases (Table 1), while only Algeria saw
a 20% or more increase in weekly cases compared to the past
week. Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gambia and
the United Republic of Tanzania did not report any new cases in
the past seven days.

More than half of all the new cases reported in the past week
are concentrated in the top five countries, with 57.4% (47 084)
of the cases recorded; namely South Africa (22 129 new cases,
33.3% decrease, 36.6 new cases per 100 000 population);
Algeria (10 613 new cases, 172.0% increase, 24.0 new cases per
100 000); Zambia (5 498 new cases, 58.4% decrease, 29.0 new
cases per 100 000); Ethiopia (4 785 new cases, 64.0% decrease,
4.0 new cases per 100 000); and Botswana (4 059 new cases,
46.0% decrease, 167.3 new cases per 100 000).

For the period (17 to 23 January 2022), a fall in weekly COVID-19
deaths in the African region was observed as 1 619 deaths were
reported in 34 countries. A total of 30 countries (64.0%) reported
a decline in reported deaths, while six (13.0%) had an increase.
The highest numbers of new deaths were reported from South
Africa (813 new deaths; 10.8% decrease; 1.3 new deaths per
100 000 population), Ethiopia (97 new deaths; 17.0% decrease;
0.1 new deaths per 100 000), Algeria (83 new deaths; 14.0%
increase; 0.2 new deaths per 100 000), Namibia (69 new deaths;
30.0% decrease; 2.6 new deaths per 100 000) and Kenya (66 new
deaths; 57.0% increase; 0.1 new deaths per 100 000).

As of 23 January 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed
COVID-19 cases is 7 772 510, with more than 7.0 million
recoveries, giving a recovery rate of 91.0%. The total number of
deaths now stands at 161 924, resulting in a CFR of 2.1%. The
WHO African Region accounts for 2.4% of global cases and 2.9%
of global deaths.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO
African region, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 581 359 cases (46.1%),
followed by Ethiopia 462 107 (6.0%), Kenya 320 229 (4.1%),
Zambia 301 630 (3.9%), and Nigeria 252 187 (3.2%), accounting
for 63.3% (4 917 512) of all cases.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 58.2% (94 177) of all deaths recorded in
the region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths
(7 244 deaths, 4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 495, 4.0%), Kenya
(5 554, 3.4%) and Zimbabwe (5 294, 3.3%), all accounting for
73.3% (118 764) of all deaths reported in the region. Namibia,
Equatorial Guinea, and Sierra Leone reported 24, 7 and 5 new
health worker infections respectively in the past week. An
additional 493 new health worker infections were reported
retrospectively from Cameroon. Cumulatively, there are 150 921
COVID-19 infections (2.0% of all cases) among health workers
in the region, with South Africa accounting for 47.0% (71 113)
of the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.0%), Kenya (10 934,
7.2%), Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.0%) and Namibia (5 256, 3.5%) have
also recorded high numbers of health worker infections. Other
countries reporting health worker infections are shown in Table
1. The United Republic of Tanzania (10.3%), Algeria (5.0%),
Liberia (5.0%), Chad (4.2%), and Niger (4.2%) have the highest
proportion of health worker infections by country. Only Eritrea
has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

Cumulative COVID-19 infections on the African continent stand at
10 760 325. In addition more than 236 890 deaths (CFR 2.4%)
and more than 9.5 million people have recovered. The African
continent accounts for 3.2% of global cases and 4.2% of global
deaths.

Globally, around 327.5 million doses have been administered in
Africa, representing about 65% of available doses. Around 139
million people are fully vaccinated, an approximate of 10% of the
African population. In comparison, 70% of people in the United
Kingdom have been fully vaccinated, 62% in the United States,
and 70% in the European Union.

The goal in mid 2022 must be for every country to vaccinate 70%
of its population. In 2022, an average of 250 to 300 million doses
of vaccines are expected to be available for supply each month.

As of 16 January, high-income countries had administered
nearly half of the COVID-19 vaccine booster doses administered
worldwide. An increasing number of African countries are offering
additional or booster doses to enhance or restore immunity
against infections. In some cases, additional or booster doses are
being offered to avoid wastage of vaccines with short shelf-life.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New cases and deaths reported on the African continent dropped
for another week following the peak of the fourth wave on the
African continent. The decline pushes the continent past its
shortest upsurge, having lasted just nearly two months. All subregions,
except North Africa, reported a decline in new cases
when comparing the prior week. Lower number of deaths have
been observed in the fourth wave of the pandemic compared to
the previous waves with a significant drop in case fatality ratio
recorded across all sub-regions.

When it comes to additional doses as part of a primary series, the
WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE)
recommends that moderately and severely immunocompromised
people should be offered an additional dose of a WHO Emergency
Use Listed vaccine.
...

OEW04-1723012022.pdf (‎1.540Mb)‎

https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/351164

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 5: 24 – 30 January 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 30 January 2022
...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

7 848 053 Cases
163 485 Deaths
2.1% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In the past seven days, (week ending on 30 January 2022), 66 353
new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were recorded in the
WHO African region, a 27.0% decrease when compared with
the prior week. The number of deaths also fell by 19.4% in the
same reporting period. Almost all countries (87.0%) reported
a decrease of 20% or more in the number of new cases (Table
1), while only Algeria, Madagascar and Mauritius saw a 20% or
more increase in weekly cases compared to the past week. Benin,
Cameroon, Gambia Liberia and the United Republic of Tanzania
did not report any new cases in the past seven days.

The top five countries recorded the highest number of new cases
(47 558, 72.0%) with South Africa recording the highest number
(22 497 new cases, 1.7% increase, 37.2 new cases per 100 000
population); followed by Algeria (14 104 new cases, 33.0%
increase, 31.3 new cases per 100 000); Botswana (4 842 new
cases, 20.0% decrease, 200 new cases per 100 000), Zambia
(3 292 new cases, 40.1% decrease, 17.0 new cases per 100 000);
and Ethiopia (2 823 new cases, 41.0% decrease, 2.4 new cases
per 100 000) .

For the period (24 to 30 January 2022), a fall in weekly COVID-19
deaths was observed in the African region as 1 419 deaths were
reported in 33 countries. Of all countries reporting deaths, a total
of 26 (79.0%) reported a decline in reported deaths, while three
(9.0%) had an increase. The highest numbers of new deaths were
reported from South Africa (845 new deaths; 4.0% increase; 1.4
new deaths per 100 000 population), Ethiopia (87 new deaths;
10.3% decrease; 0.1 new deaths per 100 000), Algeria (71
new deaths; 15.0% decrease; 0.2 new deaths per 100 000),
Madagascar (51 new deaths; 6.0% decrease; 0.2 new deaths per
100 000) and Zimbabwe (43 new deaths; 6.0% decrease; 0.3 new
deaths per 100 000).

As of 30 January 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed
COVID-19 cases is 7 848 053, with more than 7.2 million
recoveries, giving a recovery rate of 91.0%. The total number of
deaths now stands at 163 485, resulting in a CFR of 2.1%.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO
African region, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region with 3 603 856 cases (46.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 464 930 (6.0%), Kenya 321 335 (4.1%),
Zambia 304 922 (3.9%), and Nigeria 253 023 (3.2%), accounting
for 63.0% (4 948 066) of all cases.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 58.1% (95 022) of all deaths recorded in the
region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths (7 331
deaths, 4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 566, 4.0%), Kenya (5 580,
3.4%) and Zimbabwe (5 337, 3.3%), all accounting for 73.3%
(119 836) of all deaths reported in the region.

A total of 126 health worker infections were reported from Malawi
(92), Namibia 24 and Equatorial Guinea (10) in the past week.
An additional 17 new health worker infections were reported
retrospectively from Eswatini (17). An aggregate total of 151 153
COVID-19 infections (2.0% of all cases) among health workers
in the region, with South Africa accounting for 47.0% (71 113)
of the total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.0%), Kenya (10 934,
7.2%), Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.0%) and Namibia (5 278, 3.5%) have
also recorded high numbers of health worker infections. Other
countries reporting health worker infections are shown in Table
1. The United Republic of Tanzania (10.2%), Liberia (5.0%),
Algeria (5.0%), Chad (4.1%), and Niger (4.1%) have the highest
proportion of health worker infections by country. Only Eritrea
has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

Cumulative COVID-19 infections on the African continent stand at
11 006 327. In addition, more than 239 356 deaths (CFR 2.4%)
and more than 9.7 million people have recovered. The African
continent accounts for 3.0% of global cases and 4.2% of global
deaths.

WHO has worked with partners to support the training of more
than 270 000 health workers on a variety of topics related to
COVID-19, including infection prevention and control, treatment,
logistics, laboratory testing and risk communication. This month,
WHO launched a basic emergency care course that will train
46 clinicians in five countries (Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria,
and Sierra Leone). The training will cascade down into district
and primary health care facilities, helping to improve overall
emergency care.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New cases and deaths reported on the African continent dropped
for the fifth consecutive week. The decline pushes the continent
past its shortest upsurge, having lasted just nearly two months.
All countries, except Algeria, Mauritius and Madagascar reported
a decline in new cases when compared to the prior week. The
increase in Algeria is likely driven by the Omicron variant, which
was recently identified across the countries in the North Africa
subregion. Madagascar has been in resurgence for close to two
months since the number of COVID-19 cases reportedly increased
in mid-November. Lower number of deaths have been observed
in the fourth wave of the pandemic compared to the previous
waves, with a significant drop in case fatality ratio recorded
across all sub-regions.

OEW05-2430012022.pdf (‎1.760Mb)‎

https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/351433

 

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 6: 31 January – 6 February 2022
Data as reported by: 17:00; 6 February 2022

...

Coronavirus disease 2019 African region

7 898 393 Cases
164 791 Deaths
2.1% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In the past seven days, (week ending on 6 February 2022), 45 459
new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases from 41 countries
were recorded in the WHO African region, a 36.0% decrease
when compared with the previous week. The number of deaths
also fell by 17.0% in the same reporting period.

Majority of countries (76.0%) reported a decrease of 20% or
more in the number of new cases (Table 1), while only Comoros,
Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau saw a 20% or more increase in weekly
cases compared to the past week. Benin, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Chad, and the United Republic of Tanzania did
not report any new cases in the past seven days.

The top five countries recorded the highest number of new
cases (34 712, 76.0%) with South Africa recording the highest
number (20 106 new cases, 11.0% decrease, 33.2 new cases
per 100 000 population); followed by Algeria (7 202 new cases,
49.0% increase, 16.0 new cases per 100 000); Botswana (3 005
new cases, 58.0% decrease, 1 174 new cases per 100 000),
Zambia (2 284 new cases, 31.0% decrease, 743.2 new cases per
100 000); and Madagascar (2 115 new cases, 9.0% decrease,
3 443 new cases per 100 000) .

For the period (31 January to 6 February 2022), a reduction in
weekly COVID-19 deaths was observed in the African region
as 1 238 deaths were reported in 33 countries. Of all countries
reporting deaths, a total of 30 (65.0%) reported a decline in
reported deaths, while three (9.0%) had an increase. The highest
numbers of new deaths were reported from South Africa (813 new
deaths; 4.0% decrease; 1.3 new deaths per 100 000 population),
Algeria (80 new deaths; 13.0% increase; 0.2 new deaths per
100 000), Kenya (41 new deaths; 58.0% increase; 0.1 new deaths
per 100 000), Democratic Republic of the Congo (38 new deaths;
0.0% decrease; 0.0 new deaths per 100 000) and Madagascar
(33 new deaths; 35.3% decrease; 54.0 new deaths per 100 000).
As of 6 February 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed
COVID-19 cases is 7 898 393, with more than 7.3 million
recoveries, giving a recovery rate of 93.0%. The total number of
deaths now stands at 164 791, resulting in a CFR of 2.1%.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO
African region, South Africa has recorded the highest number of
COVID-19 cases in the region, with 3 623 962 cases (46.0%),
followed by Ethiopia 466 539 (5.9%), Kenya 322 096 (4.1%),
Zambia 307 206 (3.9%), and Algeria 257 976 (3.3%), accounting
for (63.0%) 4 977 779, of all cases.

In the same way, most reported deaths occurred in South Africa,
which accounts for 58.2% (95 835) of all deaths recorded in the
region. Ethiopia has the second-highest number of deaths (7 363
deaths, 4.5%) followed by Algeria (6 646, 4.0%), Kenya (5 621,
3.4%) and Zimbabwe (5 362, 3.3%), all accounting for 73.3%
(120 827) of all deaths reported in the region.

During this reporting period, a total of 64 health worker infections
were reported from Malawi (47), Namibia (5) and Liberia (12)
in the past week. Liberia reported an additional 42 new health
worker infections. An aggregate total of 151 364 COVID-19
infections (2.0% of all cases) among health workers in the
region, with South Africa accounting for 47.0% (71 113) of the
total infections. Algeria (11 936, 8.0%), Kenya (10 934, 7.2%),
Zimbabwe (6 015, 4.0%) and Namibia (5 287, 3.5%) have
also recorded high numbers of health worker infections. Other
countries reporting health worker infections are shown in Table
1. The United Republic of Tanzania (10.1%), Liberia (6.0%),
Algeria (5.0%), Chad (4.1%), and Niger (4.1%) have the highest
proportion of health worker infections by country. Only Eritrea
has not reported any healthcare worker infections.

Cumulative COVID-19 infections on the African continent stand at
11 200 010. In addition, more than 241 849 deaths (CFR 2.4%)
and more than 10 million people have recovered. The African
continent accounts for 2.9% of global cases and 4.2% of global
deaths.

Around 149 million people are fully vaccinated, or 11% of the
African population. In comparison, 70% of people in the United
Kingdom have been fully vaccinated, 64% in the United States,
and 71% in the European Union. Around 85% of Africans have
not received a single vaccine dose. The vaccination rate needs
to increase six-fold if the continent is to meet the 70% target set
for mid-2022. That means we need to go from administering 6
million doses each week to 36 million. Twenty-one of Africa’s 53
countries have fully vaccinated less than 10% of their populations.
Three of the 53 countries in Africa have fully vaccinated less than
2% of their populations.

Although the reasons vary for each country, there are some
common factors contributing to lower uptake of COVID-19
vaccines in Africa. Tanzania and Burundi only started vaccinating
in June and October 2021, respectively, so must catch up with
other countries. Several of these countries are fragile or are
experiencing ongoing conflict, making it even more difficult to
reach people with mobile vaccination teams. Some countries also
have particularly large populations or are still facing challenges
with vaccine acceptance.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New cases and deaths reported on the African continent
dropped for the sixth consecutive week. All countries, except
Comoros, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau reported a decline in
new cases when compared to the prior week. New cases
decreased in Algeria, marking the first week the country has
reported a decline following the latest wave’s peak. Even
with the overall low case fatality ratio that has been noted
in the fourth wave, there is variation in death trends among
countries. Certain populations at-risk for severe and critical
diseases (like those with comorbidities), are experiencing
higher death rates, contributing to increased deaths trends
in some countries. COVID-19 vaccination rates remain
varyingly low across the region.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream...OEW06-310106022022.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

 

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