Africa sees weekly coronavirus infections, deaths fall

By Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Africa has seen a reduction in the number of new coronavirus infections and deaths, the head of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.

"Between 13 and 19 September, a total of 104,000 new cases were reported, and this represents a 22% decrease (compared to the previous week)," John Nkengasong said at his weekly news conference. "In terms of new deaths, we have recorded a total of 3,300, compared to the 3,400 new deaths recorded during the previous week, representing a 5% decrease."

The continent has recorded 8.1 million cases that accounts for 3.6% of all cases reported globally, according to the top Cameroonian virologist. Deaths reported stood at 207,000 with a case fatality ratio of about 2.5% --representing 4.4% of deaths globally.

The continent, he said, was going through a third wave with 43 countries, or 78% of the continent, reporting rising infections and deaths --- 32 "are experiencing a very severe third wave."

"Seven countries - Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Tunisia and Somalia are currently experiencing a fourth wave," he said, and 44 have reported the alpha variant, 38 the beta variant and 40 the delta variant.

In terms of vaccination, Nkengasong said 181 million doses have been procured by 53 countries, of which 136 million doses have been administered.

"Morocco leads in the vaccination effort with 48% of its eligible population fully vaccinated," he said.