WHO "Africans Estimated 800 Million COVID Infections... 100 Times Official Count"

Two-thirds of Africans Infected
67% Asymptomatic

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] The World Health Organization (WHO) has released an analysis suggesting that the actual number of people infected with COVID-19 on the African continent could be equivalent to two-thirds of the total population.

According to AP and AFP on the 7th (local time), WHO stated this in newly released analysis data. The review was based on 151 COVID-19 studies conducted on blood samples from people across the African continent between January 2020 and December 2021.

WHO explained, "By September last year, about 65% of those tested were found to have been exposed to COVID-19," adding, "This can be translated to approximately 800 million people." This figure is nearly 100 times higher than the officially reported total number of infections. Until now, the officially reported number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to WHO was about 8 million.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said, "It is not surprising that underreporting is a global phenomenon," but added, "The reason the figures are particularly high in Africa is that many cases are asymptomatic."

Globally, the actual number of COVID-19 infections is estimated to be 16 times the official figures, and the asymptomatic rate in Africa reaches 67%.

Despite the high actual number of infections in Africa, the relatively lower pandemic impact than initially feared is attributed primarily to the continent's young population. The younger age groups are believed to have played a buffering role against severe illness caused by COVID-19. Additionally, the relatively lower number of people with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease in Africa is also considered to have influenced this outcome.

The current reported number of COVID-19 infections in Africa is 11.5 million, with 250,000 deaths. In South Africa, the hardest-hit country in Africa, experts estimate that the actual death toll is three times higher than the reported figure when considering excess mortality.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.