3rd Wave Of The Pandemic Is Stabilizing In Africa – WHO

The 3rd wave of COVID-19 is stabilising in Africa, says Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative to Nigeria has said.

He recently stated this at a National Vaccines’ briefing in Abuja, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, the increasing vaccine supplies has raised hope that the continent will meet the target of vaccinating 10 per cent of the population by the end of September.

He added that WHO continues to recommend a strong public health response amid the pandemic.

His words, “This puts an increasing strain on already stretched health facilities and health workers.”

“The good news is that, increasing vaccine supplies raises hope that the continent will meet the target of vaccinating 10 percent of the population by the end of September.”

“However, to understand the recent upward trend that Nigeria is experiencing, we must remind ourselves that: weak observance of preventive measures, increased population movement and interaction have heightened the risk of COVID-19 resurgence in many states.”

“These factors can contribute to increased case numbers. This ebb and flow in the pandemic’s transmission dynamics is expected and is likely to continue, until a sizeable proportion of the Nigerian population is vaccinated.”

“We have also been asked, at what point would WHO reconsider its position on booster doses?”

”The answer is, first, WHO is looking carefully at the outcome, which is of most relevance from a public health perspective, that is the severe disease, hospitalization and death outcomes.”

“The second consideration is the consistency of the findings. Acting on a single study is just not a sound policy basis. So, we are including the entirety of the evidence.”

“The third consideration is around the issue of the risk groups. Recommendations around the use of booster doses will very much be tailored to risk groups which may experience some change in the performance of the vaccines over a period.”

“Therefore, WHO continues to recommend a strong public health response, and for individuals to continue to protect themselves by getting vaccinated, maintaining a physical distance, wearing a mask, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, cleaning hands and following respiratory hygiene.”