By John Ikani
The World Health Organization (WHO) says 10 African countries account for 46% of Omicron cases reported globally.
According to the global health body, majority of countries are within southern Africa.
It said hospitalisation rates and severe cases remain low in South Africa, but research is still ongoing, adding that scientists in Southern Africa are being extra-vigilant for other cases and are analysing samples to check for changes to the virus.
“No coronavirus deaths have been linked to the Omicron variant and travel bans won’t stop the virus from circulating,” the global health body added.
On the role and impact of vaccination, WHO stressed that getting vaccines into people’s arms will prevent the virus from mutating further.
Many African countries are yet to administer jabs for logistical reasons, while public scepticism about getting the vaccine remains a barrier.
In Africa, only Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia, Seychelles, Cape Verde and Botswana have reached the global target of vaccinating 40% of their populations by the end of this year.
