Third Wave of COVID-19 Continues to Devastate Africa
There has been a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases across Africa in the midst of shortages of funds, medical equipment, and vaccines. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the pandemic has skyrocketed to 30% in eight countries while 14 countries abruptly increased within the past week alone.
The Coronavirus pandemic is surging across many countries in Africa where less than one percent of the continent’s population is fully vaccinated.
“Africa needs millions more doses here & now to curb the third wave.”
— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) June 18, 2021
In the midst of a third wave of #COVID19 cases in #Africa, Dr @MoetiTshidi calls out for much-needed COVID-19 vaccine doses during this critical time. pic.twitter.com/KUDPXpqq22
Regional director of WHO Dr. Matshidiso Moeti concluded, “While many countries outside Africa have now vaccinated their high-priority groups and are able to even consider vaccinating their children, African countries are unable to even follow up with second doses for high-risk groups.”
According to WHO, Africa officially registered over 4.8 million cases and 130,000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Today, a total of twenty-two African countries have been affected with a rise of 30% of cases within the past week. In addition, essential facilities and personnel who are required to assist higher-risk patients were also lacking in quality and resources.
While the U.S. diligently works on a strong plan to distribute 25 million doses of the vaccine around the globe, Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn visited South Africa to further assist the continent with vaccine production.
According to Spahn, Germany’s approach is by setting their focal point on improving manufacturing capabilities to help produce speedier vaccine roll-outs. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation.
For further information on the third wave of COVID-19 in Africa, visit the WHO official site.
