Only 27% African health workers fully vaccinated – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO), has said that only 27 per cent of health workers in Africa are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Information Guide Nigeria

According to THE GUARDIAN, this was disclosed in a preliminary analysis by WHO during a virtual press conference, facilitated by APO Group.

WHO said the low coverage could be as a result of the availability of vaccination services, especially in rural areas, and the hesitation to get vaccinated.

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THE GUARDIAN reports that the document, which captured data from 25 countries, observed that since March this year, 1.3 million health workers were fully vaccinated, with just six nations scoring over 90 per cent, while nine others have fully vaccinated less than 40 per cent.

However, in sharp contrast to what has been reported, a recent WHO global study of 22 mostly high-income countries reports that above 80 per cent of their health and care workers are fully vaccinated.

Speaking, the Regional Director, WHO, Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, said: “With a new surge in cases looming over Africa following the end-of-year festive season, countries must urgently speed up the rollout of vaccines to healthcare workers.

“The majority of Africa’s health workers are still missing out on vaccines and remain dangerously exposed to severe COVID-19 infection. Unless our doctors, nurses, and other frontline workers get full protection, we risk a blowback in efforts to curb this disease. We must ensure our health facilities are safe working environment.”

Moeti said it was necessary to have high vaccine coverage among health workers as it will not only ensure that they are protected but will ensure the safety of patients and ensure healthcare systems keep operating during a time of extreme need.

THE GUARDIAN reports that WHO said Africa’s shortage of health workers is acute and profound, with only one country in the region having the required manpower (10.9 per 1,000 population) to deliver essential services.

According to WHO, sixteen countries in the zone have less than one health worker per 1,000 population. Any loss of these essential workers to COVID-19 due to illness or death will have an impact on service provision capacity.

In a report about countries in the African Region, since March 2020, more than 150,400 COVID-19 infections have been recorded among health workers, accounting for 2.5 per cent of all confirmed cases and 2.6 per cent of the total health workforce in the region. Jamb Result

According to THE GUARDIAN, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya account for about 70 per cent of all the COVID-19 infections reported among health workers in Africa.

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