The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa has said that there are over 3.3 million confirmed coronavirus cases on the African continent.
The UN health agency made this known in a statement released via its official Twitter account on Friday.
WHO said that there were over 3.3 million confirmed COVID-19 cases on the African continent with more than 2.8 million recoveries and 82,000 deaths.
It stated that while the development and approval of safe and effective vaccines less than a year after the emergence of the virus is a stunning achievement, Africa is lagging behind.
“Africa is in danger of being left behind as countries in other regions strike deals, driving up prices.
“As of early this week, 40 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in 50 mostly high-income countries.
“However, in Africa, Guinea till date have only been able to administer the vaccine to 25 people.
“Seychelles, which is a high-income country, is the only one on the continent to start a national vaccination campaign,’’ it said.
The statement also quoted Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, as saying, “We first, not me first, is the only way to end the pandemic.
Moeti said Vaccine hoarding will only prolong the ordeal and delay Africa’s recovery.
“Health workers and vulnerable people in Africa need urgent access to the vaccines,” Moeti said.
COVID-19: Africa’s cases surpass 3.3m as death toll hits 82,000
