Update on the ongoing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Global Epidemic, Brief #129

Outbreak Update:  As of 4 July 2022, a total of 546,114,042 COVID-19 cases and 6,335,599 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR]: 1.2%) have been reported globally by 232 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 18,660,167 (3%), European Region 229,039,830 (42%), Region of the Americas 162,970,252 (30%), South-East Asia Region 58,649,033 (11%) and Western Pacific Region 64,514,416 (12%). In the last seven days, the five countries reporting the highest number of new cases are France (546,404), Germany (541,127), Italy (534,629), the United States of America (468,701) and  China (263,351). As of 3 July 2022, over 4.7 billion people (59% 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) 4 July 2022, a total of 11,819,617 COVID-19 cases and 254,205 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, 48 (87%) MS have experienced four waves, 22MS have experienced five waves, and two MS (Kenya and Mauritius) have experienced a sixth wave.

Fifty-three MS have reported COVID-19 cases infected with the Alpha (50 MS), Beta (45), Delta (50), Gamma (3) and Omicron (49) variants of concern (VOC). Additionally, 22 MS have detected the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant, while eight MS detected the Omicron BA.4 and ten MS detected the Omicron 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, 613.7 million doses have been administered on the continent. Of these doses administered, 309 million people have been partially vaccinated, 272.4 million have been fully vaccinated, and 32 million have received a booster dose. Overall, 19.4% 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.