WHO warns of new wave of COVID-19 infections in Africa

The World Health Organization warned of a new wave of COVID-19 infections in Africa due to delayed vaccine supplies, a slow rollout and new variants, AFP reported.

The African bureau of the UN agency said the continent had to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of vaccine rollouts, AFP reported.

“The delay in the delivery of vaccine doses from the Serum Institute of India earmarked for Africa, the delay in the deployment of vaccines and the emergence of new variants means that the risk of a new wave of infections remains very high in Africa,” it said in a statement, cited by AFP.

It added that new variants such as the ones that emerged in India and South Africa could unleash a “third wave” on the continent.

“The tragedy in India does not have to happen here in Africa, but we must all be on the highest possible alert,” said regional WHO director Matshidiso Moeti.