The World Health Organisation says COVID-19 cases have risen to over 53,000 in Africa, with 2,000 deaths as at May 8.
WHO Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo gave the update on its official Twitter account: @WHOAFRO.
“There are over 53,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases on the African continent – with more than 18,000 associated recoveries and 2,000 deaths,” it said.
The figures showed that South Africa, Algeria and Nigeria had the highest reported cases in Africa.
According to the report, South Africa had 8,232 cases and 161 deaths followed by Algeria with 5,182 cases and 483 deaths, while Nigeria had 3,526 confirmed cases with 107 deaths.
Ghana and Cameroon were number four and five respectively, with 3,091 reported cases and 18 deaths, while Cameroon has 2,265 with 108 deaths.
According to the report, Mauritania, Comoros, Seychelles are countries with the lowest confirmed cases in the region.
The report indicated that Mauritania had eight confirmed cases with one death, Comoros also had eight reported cases and one death, while Seychelles recorded 11 confirmed cases with zero death.
It, however, said that the agency was working closely with governments and partners to ramp up COVID-19 testing capacity and expand access in Africa to curb the spread of the virus.
In a related development, WHO said it was working towards eradicating viral diseases on the continent.
It said: “Today marks the 40th Anniversary of Smallpox Eradication.
“This achievement raised hope and optimism that with strong commitment and mass vaccination, other viral diseases could also be eradicated, like polio, measles and rubella.”
