Weak data leaves Africa guessing on vaccines, Long COVID-19 impact

Marketing segmentation, target audience and team building concepts. [Courtesy/GettyImages]

When the world was struck by COVID-19 five years ago, Africa found itself fighting on two fronts: Against a deadly virus and vaccine inequity. While richer nations hoarded doses, African countries waited, scrambled, and negotiated for their share. Millions were infected, thousands lost their lives, and others survived with scars—some visible, others hidden.

The human cost of COVID-19 in Africa was significant, though lower than initially feared. As of November 2022, the continent recorded 257,984 deaths from COVID-19, representing a substantial but proportionally smaller burden compared to other regions globally.