By John Ikani
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the Omicron is currently the dominant COVID variant in Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, the WHO said 30 African countries – and at least 142 countries worldwide – have detected the Omicron variant, while the Delta variant had been reported in 42 African nations.
“Omicron sequences in Cabo Verde, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal are growing. Omicron is currently the dominant variant in both Cabo Verde and Nigeria”, it noted.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said early indications suggest the continent’s fourth wave had been steep, brief, but no less destabilising.
According to the agency, as of January 11, there have been 10.2 million COVID cases in Africa, with Southern, East and Central Africa experiencing a drop in weekly infections.
The organisation, however, said North and West Africa are witnessing a rise in cases, with North Africa reporting a 121 percent increase in the past week, compared to the previous one.
Moeti stressed that the crucial pandemic countermeasure badly needed in Africa still stands.
“That is rapidly and significantly increasing COVID-19 vaccinations. The next wave may not be so forgiving,” the official warned.
“This year should mark a turning point in Africa’s COVID-19 vaccination drive. With vast swaths of the population still unvaccinated, our chances of limiting the emergence and impact of deadly variants are frighteningly slim.
“We have the know-how and the tools and with a concerted push we can certainly tip the balance against the pandemic.”
