Kampala, Uganda. In the latest update on the global health front, data reveals a 4% increase in new COVID-19 cases worldwide during the 28 days from December 11, 2023, to January 7, 2024, according to a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Surprisingly, amidst the surge in cases, there is a promising 26% decrease in new deaths during the same timeframe.
This report highlights the key statistics, trends, and emerging variants, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of 7 January 2024, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed a staggering 774 million, with over seven million reported deaths globally. These figures indicate the persistent impact of the virus on populations worldwide.
The period from December 11, 2023, to January 7, 2024, witnessed a significant uptick in new hospitalisations and admissions to intensive care units (ICUs).
Both indicators recorded an overall increase of 40% and 13%, respectively, with over 173,000 new hospitalizations and 1,900 admissions to ICUs during these 28 days.
However, this surge in hospitalisations poses additional challenges to healthcare systems grappling with the ongoing pandemic.
Emerging Variants
JN.1 variant, identified as the most circulating Variant of Interest (VOI), has gained prominence globally. Currently reported by 71 countries, JN.1 now accounts for approximately 66% of the sequences in week 52, a significant jump from the 25% reported in week 48.
Its parent lineage, BA.2.86, remains stable and constitutes 7.8% of sequences in week 52, up from 7.0% in week 48. The initial risk assessment for JN.1, published on 19 December 2023, indicates a low public health risk at the global level based on available evidence.
Risk Evaluation and Preparedness
The low public health risk associated with JN.1 underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance, risk evaluation, and international cooperation in managing emerging variants.
According to WHO, Health authorities globally must remain vigilant and adapt strategies as new variants continue to emerge.
This report stresses the need for robust preparedness measures to effectively respond to the evolving landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Uganda stands at a critical juncture in its fight against COVID-19, with a looming crisis of vaccine expiration adding to the challenges.
In October last year (2023), Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, told parliament that 7,567,200 doses are set to expire by February 2024 if not swiftly administered to those who are yet to receive their first or second jabs.
This revelation indicates a broader context of the COVID-19 situation in Uganda, encompassing vaccination rates, ongoing transmission patterns, and challenges faced by specific communities.
According to Aceng, the country continues to record cases and the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Masaka, Kisoro, Gulu, Mbarara, and Luwero have reported the highest numbers since January 2023.
The cumulative figures include 3,632 deaths since the global pandemic’s outbreak in early 2020 and 1,748 cases between January and September 2023. The total cumulative cases in Uganda now stand at 3,262,447.
Despite the progress made in vaccination, the minister further expressed concern about the slow uptake, revealing that only 59 percent of the population aged 18 and above have received the vaccine.
Among children aged 12 to 17, the coverage is even lower, with only 6 percent having received both jabs. This falls short of the target of 28.5 million eligible Ugandans, comprising 22 million adults and 6.5 million children, who should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Civil Society Concerns
Civil society organisations, such as the Association of Disabled Persons with HIV/AIDS in Uganda (ADPHA-Uganda), have long voiced concerns that persons with disabilities face challenges in accessing vaccination sites due to distance and topography in their respective communities.
Some are confined to their homes, stressing the need for targeted efforts to reach marginalised populations through door-to-door vaccination like the one recently concluded by ADPHA Uganda in Masaka, Rakai, Kalungu, Bukomansimbi and Rakai districts.
While the WHO has announced that COVID-19 is no longer considered a global threat, Minister Aceng stressed the crucial need for ongoing preparedness at the national level.
However, the possibility of fresh spikes in infections highlights the importance of sustained vigilance and the implementation of strong public health measures.
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