On May 6, local time, the WHO Regional Office for Africa held an online press conference in Brazzaville, capital of Congo (Brazzaville).

According to the content of the press conference, due to the delay in the delivery of orders for the new coronavirus vaccine produced in India and the introduction of the mutant new coronavirus first discovered in India to some countries in Africa, the anti-epidemic situation on the African continent is suddenly severe.

　　According to the introduction of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Morty, there are currently nearly 4.6 million confirmed cases of new coronary pneumonia on the African continent and 123,000 deaths.

On May 5th, South Africa local time, there were more than 2,000 new confirmed cases. The epidemic curve of other 10 African countries or regions also showed an upward trend. The intensive care capacity of Botswana, Ethiopia and other countries has reached its limit.

As southern Africa is about to enter winter, the number of confirmed cases in some areas may increase sharply, and the spread of the new variant of the new coronavirus also puts the African continent at risk of a third wave of epidemic rebound.

　　Morty, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said: “WHO has been supporting countries to strengthen the genome sequencing capabilities of variant strains. So far, 42 African countries have reported more than 14,000 gene sequences. 20 African countries The mutant strain B.1.1.7 first discovered in the United Kingdom appeared in the country, the mutant strain B.1.351 first discovered in South Africa appeared in 23 African countries, and the mutant strain B.1.617 first discovered in India appeared in Uganda. And Kenya."

　　At the same time, the delay in the supply of the new crown vaccine produced in India has further lagging African countries’ vaccine stocks behind other continents in the world, currently accounting for only 1% of the global total, down from 2% a few weeks ago.

On average, 150 vaccines are injected per 1,000 people globally, while in sub-Saharan Africa, only about 8 doses are injected per 1,000 people.

　　Morty called on India’s tragedy not to happen in Africa, and all countries must be vigilant. In the coming months, in the case of vaccine shortages, increase the supply of key medicines including medical oxygen and ensure that sufficient supplies are provided for critically ill patients. Hospital beds.

(Producing Guo Seho)

Editor in charge: 【Luo Pan】