Update on the ongoing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Global Epidemic, Brief #122

Outbreak Update:  As of 13 May 2022, a total of 518,879,315 COVID-19 cases and 6,265,568 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR]: 1.2%) have been reported globally by 227 countries and territories to the World Health Organization (WHO). The distribution of cumulative cases (percentage of global cases) from the WHO regions (excluding Africa) are as follows: Eastern Mediterranean Region 18,409,461 (4%), European Region 218,268,130 (42%), Region of the Americas 154,826,856 (30%), South-East Asia Region 58,024,697 (11%) and Western Pacific Region 57,347,191 (11%). In the last seven days, the five countries reporting the highest number of new cases are the United States of America (597,113), China (414,117), Germany (365,432), Japan (273,523) and Italy (258,875). As of 15 May 2022, over 4.6 billion people (58% of the global population) have been fully vaccinated. For more detailed information on cases and deaths reported outside of Africa, refer to the WHO COVID-19 dashboard.

As of 6 p.m. East African Time (EAT) 16 May 2022, a total of 11,559,637 COVID-19 cases and 252,641 deaths (CFR: 2.2%) have been reported by the 55 African Union (AU) Member States (MS). This represents 2% of all cases and 4% of all deaths reported globally. Forty (73%) AU MS are reporting CFRs higher than the global CFR. Since the detection of COVID-19 on the African continent (in February 2020), 53 (96%) AU MS have experienced three distinct COVID-19 waves, 47 (72%) MS have experienced four waves, 13 MS have experienced five waves, and one MS (Mauritius) has experienced a sixth wave.

Fifty-three MS have reported COVID-19 cases infected with the Alpha (49 MS), Beta (45), Delta (50), Gamma (3), Omicron (48) variants of concern (VOC). Additionally, 16 MS have detected the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant and two MS (Botswana and South Africa) have detected the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants. More information on SARS-COV-2 sequencing and the breakdown of variants reported by AU MS is available on the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative Dashboard.

Fifty-four (98%) MS are currently providing COVID-19 vaccination to the general population. Cumulatively, 562.5 million doses have been administered on the continent. Of these doses administered, 306 million people have been partially vaccinated, 233.8 million have been fully vaccinated, and 22.5 million have received a booster dose. Overall, 17.3% of the continental population is fully vaccinated. Eritrea is the only AU MS yet to start COVID-19 vaccination roll out. More information on COVID-19 vaccination can be found on the Africa CDC COVID-19 vaccine dashboard.