WHO says Africa’s COVID-19 deaths rose by 40% in January

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that covid-19 deaths in Africa increased by 40 per cent in January, pushing the continent’s death toll towards 100,000 since the first reported case on the continent on 14 February, 2020.

Noting over 22,300 deaths were reported in Africa in the last 28 days, compared with nearly 16,000 deaths in the previous 28 days, the United Nations Agency stated that Africa is expected to reach 100,000 deaths in the coming days.

Disclosing the one-year milestone comes as the continent faces the spread of new strains of virus, the WHO further stated that health workers and health systems in Africa are dangerously overstretched.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, made this known during a virtual press briefing.

She said: “Thirty-two countries reported a rise in deaths in the last 28 days, while 21 reported flat or falling rates. Africa’s COVID-19 fatality rate rose to 3.7 percent during the last 28 days compared to 2.4 percent in the previous 28 days and is and is now well above the global average.

“The increasing deaths from COVID-19 we are seeing are tragic, but are also disturbing warning signs that health workers and health systems in Africa are dangerously overstretched. This grim milestone must refocus everyone on stamping out the virus.

“In the second wave as cases surged far beyond the peak experienced in the first wave, health facilities have become overwhelmed.

“Preliminary reports which WHO has received from 21 countries show that 66% reported inadequate critical care capacity, 24% reported burnout among health workers and 15 countries reported that oxygen production, crucial for severely ill COVID-19 patients, remains insufficient.

“This week South Africa announced that it will pause the roll-out of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine because of a study indicating that the vaccine is less effective in preventing mild and moderate infection with the 501Y.V2 variant that is dominant in the country. This is obviously very disappointing news, but the situation is very dynamic.

“On 10 February 2021, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, known as SAGE, strongly recommended that countries use the AstraZeneca vaccine, for priority groups, even if variants are present in a country.

“These preliminary findings highlight the urgent need for a coordinated approach for surveillance and evaluation of variants and their potential impact on vaccine effectiveness. WHO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new data become available.

“New variants are likely to emerge as the virus continues to spread so preventive measures must be maintained even as Africa gears up to start vaccinations against the virus.

“The pandemic is far from over, and vaccines are just one crucial tool in our fight against the virus. We must boost investments and support for our health workers and health systems by sticking to mask wearing, regular hand cleaning and safe social distancing.”