Kathmandu, June 25. On Thursday, the World Health Organisation(WHO) announced that the third wave of Coronavirus pandemic is spreading faster in Africa, as the continent struggles to vaccinate its people.

While speaking at a virtual press conference, WHO Regional Director Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said, “The third wave is picking up speed, spreading faster, hitting harder.”

“With a rapid increase in the number of cases and increasing reports of severe disease, the latest wave threatens to be the worst to date in Africa” Moeti added.

Daily Stats suggest that the third wave began five weeks ago, on May 3, 2021. In the first 48 days of the third wave, a total number of 4,74,000 people got infected with the virus, 21 percent more than that of the first 48 days of the second wave. 

According to WHO, the third wave has emerged in 12 African countries. In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, at least 3/4th of the total cases involved the Delta variant (B.1.617.2).

Shortage of Vaccines

Moeti also confirmed that Africa is struggling with vaccine shortages and urged the world to help Africa. She said, “Vaccine shortages are already prolonging the pain of Covid-19 in Africa … we need international solidarity to deal with the pandemic.”

According to WHO, slightly more than 1 percent of the African population has been fully vaccinated. Covid vaccines are still viewed with suspicion in many African countries.

Delta Variant

The Delta(B.1.617.2) variant is becoming a dominant version in the world. On Monday, the Nepali health ministry reported that the strain has been detected in Nepal.

On Tuesday, a study conducted by Oxford University revealed that the AstraZeneca vaccine offers up to 90% protection against the deadly “Delta” variant. The study involved detailed comparative analysis of monoclonal antibodies in blood samples from recovered patients and vaccinated people.