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Brazzaville – With the end of the year approaching and many African families planning reunions, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges countries to be on high alert for a possible increase in COVID-19 cases. This is because almost 20 countries in the region experience an increase in cases.
After reporting a downtrend and then a plateau, Africa has seen an increase in cases since the beginning of October. Unlike the first wave of cases that was triggered by hot spots in southern Africa, the latest increase is driven by the North African region, where temperatures are beginning to drop.
In the 47 countries in the WHO African Region, 19 countries have reported an increase of more than 20% in new cases in the last 28 days compared to the previous four weeks. However, 17 countries are also reporting a drop of more than 20% in the number of new cases during the last 28 days, compared to the previous four weeks. There have also been more reports of health worker infections and deaths, particularly among more experienced health workers.
Large group gatherings and mobility have been identified as risk factors for increasing the spread of COVID-19, and the upcoming holiday season may promote these risks, leading to wide-spread events.
“As we approach the time of year when people move to vacation together, there is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “New clusters of cases may emerge in places that have not been affected so far because people travel or gather for the holidays. But we can reduce the risks by wearing masks, limiting the number of people who gather, observing the distancing physical fitness and practicing good hand hygiene. We can celebrate and do it safely. “
WHO urges Member States to conduct risk assessments at the sub-national level and identify high-risk areas. Based on this analysis, local governments can adjust their public health measures accordingly and be agile in decision-making. WHO is helping prepare for a potential surge in hospital admissions by training more contact trackers and physicians to better handle cases, ensuring crucial supplies are available, and increasing detection at border crossings.
WHO has identified a worrying trend of ignoring safety measures among populations. As part of an effort to revitalize key public health measures, WHO today launches the “Mask Up, Not Down” campaign. The campaign aims to reach more than 40 million young people in Africa with positive messages about the correct use of masks through social media and to combat complacency, fatigue and misunderstandings around COVID-prevention measures. 19.
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“In the face of COVID-19, complacency can be dangerous,” said Dr. Moeti. “At this critical moment in which Africa is beginning to see an increase in cases, we must re-energize and re-commit to wearing masks. I know that many find public health measures cumbersome, but without everyone’s action, Africa is at risk of a further increase in COVID-19 Cases. “
WHO urges governments to invest in community participation and win their buy-in and support for life-saving public health measures. Only by making sure that people in Africa’s cities, districts and villages commit to fighting COVID-19 will we overcome the pandemic.
Dr. Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Mr. Prosper Zo’o Minto’o, Regional Director for West and Central Africa, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim, Director of the Center for AIDS Research Program in South Africa and Co-Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 and Professor of Global Health, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University.
