COVID cases, deaths in Africa reach lowest level since start of pandemic


The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Africa have fallen to their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization announced Thursday, per The Associated Press.
The WHO said Omicron variant-driven COVID-19 infections had "tanked" from "a peak of more than 308,000 weekly cases to fewer than 20,000 last week," AP writes.
"This low level of infection has not been seen since April 2020 in the early stages of the pandemic in Africa," the WHO wrote, adding there is no country in the region currently seeing a surge in cases.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
There is a catch, however; the health agency warned of the risk of another wave of infections as winter envelops the Southern Hemisphere and large gatherings move indoors. Pandemic controls must therefore remain in effect so as to curb another surge, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Africa director.
In related news, scientists in Botswana and South Africa this weekend detected new Omicron subvariants they're calling BA.4 and BA.5, AP reports. They're still determining whether the new forms are more transmissible or dangerous.
Africa, for whatever reason, has remained the continent least affected by COVID-19, despite initial fears of the opposite happening, AP notes. Scientists say its resilience could have something to do with the young population, the lower incidence of certain chronic diseases, and the warmer weather.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Send reforms: government's battle over special educational needs
The Explainer Current system in 'crisis' but parents fear overhaul will leave many young people behind
-
Perfect summer beach reads
The Week Recommends Ditch the dreary for a 'dose of delight' on your next trip away
-
Follow in Monet's footsteps on Le Meurice's art trail
The Week Recommends Guests are transported back to Paris' Impressionist era with a knowledgeable guide
-
Measles cases surge to 33-year high
Speed Read The infection was declared eliminated from the US in 2000 but has seen a resurgence amid vaccine hesitancy
-
Kennedy's vaccine panel signals skepticism, change
Speed Read RFK Jr.'s new vaccine advisory board intends to make changes to the decades-old US immunization system
-
Kennedy ousts entire CDC vaccine advisory panel
speed read Health Secretary RFK Jr. is a longtime anti-vaccine activist who has criticized the panel of experts
-
RFK Jr. scraps Covid shots for pregnant women, kids
Speed Read The Health Secretary announced a policy change without informing CDC officials
-
New FDA chiefs limit Covid-19 shots to elderly, sick
speed read The FDA set stricter approval standards for booster shots
-
US overdose deaths plunged 27% last year
speed read Drug overdose still 'remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44,' said the CDC
-
Trump seeks to cut drug prices via executive order
speed read The president's order tells pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices, but it will likely be thrown out by the courts
-
RFK Jr.: A new plan for sabotaging vaccines
Feature The Health Secretary announced changes to vaccine testing and asks Americans to 'do your own research'