The World Health Organization has warned of massive upsurge in covid19 cases across Africa, due to delayed vaccine supply by the serum institute of India and new variants making inroads. 

According to the UN health body, the continent now accounts for only 1% of the vaccines administered worldwide, down from 2% a few weeks ago.

While COVID-19 vaccine rollouts have been exemplary in some African countries, just about 19 million of the 37 million doses that arrived in Africa have been administered.

WHO’s regional director for Africa – Dr Matshidiso Moeti, during the agency’s briefing Thursday said the situation is now a race against time and the virus. 

Moeti noted that given the limited supply, WHO recommend that countries prioritize giving the first dose to as many high-risk people as possible in the shortest amount of time.