Up to 65% of Africans have caught Covid

By Samantha Allen

Published: April 7, 2022 | 10:57 PM GMT

A study has found a significant under-counting of infections on the continent because of so many cases with no symptoms.

This indicates that true infections on the continent were 97 times larger than reported confirmed cases.

Speaking to journalists, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said that “the analysis showed that current reported Covid-19 confirmed cases were only a fraction of the actual number of infections on the continent.”

Africa has had milder coronavirus cases compared with other parts of the world because there is a comparatively smaller proportion of people with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases that are associated with more severe cases and deaths.

Africa’s youthful population is also a protective factor.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.