The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday that the coronavirus pandemic is accelerating in Africa, reported Reuters.
The warning comes as after the continent hit 200,000 cases earlier this week. As per data collected, it took 98 days for the continent to reach 100,000 coronavirus cases it took just 18 days to get to 200,000.
“Even though these cases in Africa account for less than 3 percent of the global total, it’s clear that the pandemic is accelerating,” Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Africa regional director, told a news briefing for Geneva-based U.N. correspondents. “We believe that large numbers of severe cases and deaths are not being missed in Africa.”
Moeti said community transmission has begun in more than half of Africa’s 54 countries and which is a serious threat. Over 5,500 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported across the continent so far.
According to the WHO, the rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases is mainly driven by 10 countries, which account for nearly 80 per cent of all cases. Most deaths, more than 70 per cent, are occurring in only five nations- Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan.
South Africa is the most affected country, with one-quarter of the continent’s total cases. The country’s two provinces- Western Cape and Eastern Cape -are reporting high numbers of cases and deaths daily.
WHO said public health measures have helped to slow the spread of COVID-19 on the continent. Many governments also implemented lockdowns, promoted physical distancing, and conducted contact tracing in a bid to stop the spread.
But despite increase in the number of cases, many countries are now turning to relaxing lockdowns and resume economic and social activities. WHO has recommended that as restrictions are lifted, countries must ensure that they can continue to test for COVID-19 and provide access to
