Update on the ongoing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Global Epidemic, Brief #149

Outbreak Update:  As of 21 November 2022, a total of 634,522,052 COVID-19 cases and 6,599,100 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR]: 1%) have been reported globally by 232 countries and territories to the World Health Organization (WHO). The distribution of cumulative cases (percentage of global cases) from the WHO regions (excluding Africa) are as follows: Eastern Mediterranean Region 19,639,375 (3%), European Region 263,450,303 (41%), Region of the Americas 180,912,908(29%), South-East Asia Region 60,592,839 (10%) and Western Pacific Region 96,933,458 (15%). In the last seven days, the five countries reporting the highest number of new cases are Japan (555,520), the Republic of Korea (363,862), France (159,559), China (157,223) and Germany (149,526). As of 21 November 2022, over 4.9 billion people (62% of the global population) have been fully vaccinated. For more detailed information on cases and deaths reported outside of Africa, refer to the WHO COVID-19 dashboard.

As of 6 p.m. East African Time (EAT) 21 November 2022, a total of 12,117,495 COVID-19 cases and 256,125 deaths (CFR: 2.1%) have been reported by the 55 African Union (AU) Member States (MS). This represents 2% of all cases and 4% of all deaths reported globally. Forty-four (80%) AU MS are reporting CFRs higher than the global CFR. Since the detection of COVID-19 on the African continent (in February 2020), 53 (96%) AU MS have experienced three distinct COVID-19 waves, 48 (87%) MS have experienced four waves, 28 MS have experienced five waves, 6 MS have experienced a sixth wave and one MS (Kenya) has experienced a seventh wave.

Fifty-three MS have reported COVID-19 cases infected with the Alpha (50 MS), Beta (45), Delta (52), Gamma (3) and Omicron (51) variants of concern (VOC). Additionally, 35 MS have detected the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant, while 21 MS detected the Omicron BA.4, 18 MS detected the Omicron BA.5 and 4 MS detected the Omicron XBB sub-variants. More information on SARS-COV-2 sequencing and the breakdown of variants reported by AU MS is available on the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative Dashboard.

Fifty-four (98%) MS are currently providing COVID-19 vaccination to the general population. Cumulatively, 765 million doses have been administered on the continent. Of these doses administered, 377 million people have been partially vaccinated, 347 million have been fully vaccinated, and 27% of the continental population is fully vaccinated. Eritrea is the only AU MS yet to start COVID-19 vaccination roll out. More information on COVID-19 vaccination can be found on the Africa CDC COVID-19 vaccine dashboard.