The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research says it has detected 34 cases of the Omicron Covid-19 Variant from some 120 samples of returning travelers into Ghana.
In Africa, the Omicron variant has now been detected in four countries, with Ghana and Nigeria becoming the first West African countries and the latest on the continent to report the new variant. So far, Botswana and South Africa have reported 19 and 172 Omicron variant cases, respectively. Globally, more than 20 countries have detected the variant to date. The two southern African countries account for 62% of cases reported globally.
Omicron has a high number of mutations (32) in its spike protein, and preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection when compared with other variants of concern so epidemiologists and laboratory experts are also being mobilized to boost genomic sequencing in Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia.
Researchers and scientists in South Africa and the region are intensifying their investigations to understand the transmissibility, severity, and impact of the Omicron variant about the available vaccines, diagnostics, and treatment and whether it is driving the latest surge in COVID-19 infections.
According to the Noguchi Memorial Institute, Ghana`s number represents a 28 % positive rate for the samples collected between November 21 and 25, this year at the Kotoka International Airport.
WHO has mobilized US$ 12 million to support critical response activities in countries across the region for the next three months.
African countries are also refining operational plans for stronger disease surveillance and investigations.
In Africa, vaccination rates remain low. Only 102 million people, or 7.5% of the population, are fully vaccinated. More than 80% of the population still needs to receive the first dose.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Kofi Atakora
