COVID-19 cases in Africa rise above 118,000

The number of COVID-19 cases in Africa has risen above 118,000, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional office in Brazzaville, Congo.

The global health agency disclosed this in a tweet on Wednesday.

At least, an additional 3,000 cases were recorded in less than 24 hours after the continent recorded over 115,000 cases on Tuesday.

Of the 118,927 COVID-19 cases in Africa, 48,000 patients have recovered from the disease, while 3,574 deaths have been recorded.

“Over 118,000 confirmed #COVID19 cases on the African continent – with more than 48,000 recoveries & 3,500 deaths,” the tweet read.

Over 118,000 confirmed #COVID19 cases on the African continent – with more than 48,000 recoveries & 3,500 deaths. View country figures & more with the WHO African Region COVID-19 Dashboard: https://t.co/V0fkK8dYTg pic.twitter.com/W1hbvugno1

— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) May 27, 2020

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With 24,264 cases and 524 deaths, South Africa takes the lead among countries with the highest number of confirmed cases in Africa.

This is followed by Egypt with 17,967 cases and 783 deaths, Algeria with 8,697 cases and 617 deaths and Nigeria with 8,344 cases and 249 deaths.

Ghana, Cameroon and Guinea rank fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.

Lesotho with 2 cases, Seychelles with 11, and Namibia with 21 cases have the lowest COVID-19 infections in Africa.

Despite the rising cases of COVID-19 on the continent, Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, commended African communities for their commitment towards tackling the spread of the disease.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, she said African countries have taken “tough decisions” in form of control measures, adding that the WHO is dedicated to helping in the fight against the virus.

“I would like to pay special tribute to African communities. It was said by the WHO Director General, Dr Tedros, that our leaders have put in place some measures to control the pandemic. We have seen African countries take very tough decisions to put in place some of the control measures,” it read.

“So again, a shoutout to African people, I thank them so much for the courage that they have shown, the forbearance under sometimes difficult circumstances, & we are committed to continue in this fight with them.”

So again, a shout out to African people, I thank them so much for the courage that they have shown, the forbearance under sometimes difficult circumstances, & we are committed to continue in this fight with them. #AfricaDay

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— Dr Matshidiso Moeti (@MoetiTshidi) May 26, 2020

Globally, over 5.7 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, according to Worldometer, a website which provides official updates on the virus situation across the world.