This week, the corona infection rate in Africa did drop somewhat for the first time. But experts warn against rejoicing too soon.
They say the lower incidence is only due to a slight drop in cases in southern Africa, which is already heavily infested. There are already signs of an increase again in 19 countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Burundi and, most recently, South Africa. “The situation should rightly alarm us all,” said Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of the Nigerian port metropolis of Lagos.
Rising mortality rate
Despite falling incidence, the mortality rate is taking on new proportions. “Covid 19 mortality rates have increased across Africa, with the highest weekly rate to date (6343) reported in the week beginning July 19, 2021,” WHO vaccination expert Phionah Atuhebwe told CNN in an interview.
Within a month, 24,987 people died in Africa, and the virus has already claimed a total of 117,000 lives on the continent. The reason for the rapid increase is the more contagious and deadly delta variant, which has been wiping out populations specifically in the south. South Africa alone accounts for 64 percent of the deaths.
Slow vaccination campaign
At the same time, the vaccination campaign on the continent is making slow progress. Only 1.5 percent of residents have received full immunization. The country relies largely on the Covax global vaccination campaign, as well as donations from China, India and the United States.
- source: diepresse.at/picture: pixabay.com
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