Africa sees spike in COVID-19 infections & deaths

Since the beginning of May 2021, new cases of COVID-19 have been on the rise across the African continent. The World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has warned that the current surge could potentially be the worst yet for Africa. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Dr. Mary Stephen, a technical officer at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, discussed the concerning situation and the challenges that lie ahead. The Delta variant, known for its increased transmissibility, has been spreading rapidly across the continent, with countries like South Africa, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo reporting a surge in cases. The variant is said to be up to 60% more infectious than the previous alpha variant, posing a significant threat to public health systems. Dr. Stephen emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining physical distance to curb the spread of the virus. She also highlighted the need for governments to strengthen their testing, isolation, and care capacities to effectively manage the increasing number of cases. With hospitals facing challenges such as oxygen shortages and overwhelmed intensive care units, there is an urgent need to bolster healthcare systems to better respond to the crisis. As the continent grapples with the Delta variant, there are growing concerns about the emergence of the delta plus variant, which shows even higher transmissibility. Dr. Stephen urged the public to adhere to preventive measures and emphasized the effectiveness of available vaccines against the new variants. However, she cautioned that basic preventive measures remain crucial in limiting the spread of the virus. With many African countries still awaiting sufficient vaccine supplies, there is a pressing need for vaccine equity to ensure widespread coverage and protection. Reflecting on past shortcomings in the pandemic response, Dr. Stephen called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the current challenges. She stressed the importance of expanding vaccination coverage, ramping up testing and contact tracing efforts, and enhancing critical care capacities in healthcare systems. Individuals were also reminded to take personal responsibility by following preventive measures and getting vaccinated when doses become available. As Africa faces a critical juncture in the fight against COVID-19, concerted efforts from governments, healthcare providers, and the general public are essential to mitigate the impact of the Delta variant and safeguard public health.