Estimated 59 Million Actual Infections
"Introduce Rapid Testing... Accelerate Vaccine Supply"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] A study revealed that COVID-19 is detected in only 1 out of 7 cases in Africa.
On the 14th (local time), the AP reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) announced this through a new study. This means that the number of COVID-19 infections on the African continent could reach 59 million. Currently, about 8 million confirmed cases have been reported in Africa. The death toll is 214,000.
To more accurately identify infected individuals and better prevent transmission, the United Nations aims to increase rapid diagnostic testing in eight African countries, targeting 7 million tests next year. Rapid tests are described as affordable, reliable, easy to use, and providing results within 15 minutes.
However, considering the millions of unconfirmed infections, the UN emphasized the urgency of improving vaccine accessibility. Vaccines are arriving slowly in Africa, and vaccination rates are low. Among the 54 African countries, only about 10% of the population in 30% of these countries have completed vaccination.
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