Andreas Ateke Njoh1,2, Eric Mboke1, Shalom Tchokfe Ndoula1, Hassan Ben Bachir3, Raoul Nembot1, Cornelius Chebo4, Adidja Aman3,5, Yauba Saidu6,7. 1. Expanded Program on Immunization, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon. 2. Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon. 3. Department of Family Health, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon. 4. Regional Delegation of Public Health for the Northwest Region, Bamenda, Cameroon. 5. Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon. 6. Clinton Health Access Initiative, Yaounde, Cameroon. 7. Institute for Global Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Abstract
Introduction: the emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants like Delta and Omicron have triggered the next wave of COVID-19 in many parts of the world. Here we report a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Northwest (NW) Region of Cameroon, which is plagued with low immunization coverage and armed conflict. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 and data on COVID-19 cases and vaccination were reviewed from the Ministry of Health database from January 1st, 2020 to September 4th, 2021. The security situation of the region was obtained from the districts and regional health managers. Data were analyzed with MS Excel and results presented as trends and proportions. Results: since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increasing prevalence in cases in the NW. Between epidemiological week 34-35 of 2021, there was a surge in COVID-19 cases in the NW. More than 70% of all COVID-19 related deaths reported in the country during epidemiological week-35 were recorded in this region. Despite this high mortality, COVID-19 vaccine uptake remains very low in the region. Indeed, just 0.6% of the 962,036-target population 18-years and above are fully immunized after 6-months of vaccination. Conclusion: though the country´s epi-curve does not suggest a third wave currently, the NW is experiencing a steady COVID-19 case surge amid insecurity and the circulation of the Delta variant. There is therefore a need to adopt innovative strategies to improve immunization and strengthen other SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures in this region. Copyright: Andreas Ateke Njoh et al.
Introduction: the emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants like Delta and Omicron have triggered the next wave of COVID-19 in many parts of the world. Here we report a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Northwest (NW) Region of Cameroon, which is plagued with low immunization coverage and armed conflict. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2021 and data on COVID-19 cases and vaccination were reviewed from the Ministry of Health database from January 1st, 2020 to September 4th, 2021. The security situation of the region was obtained from the districts and regional health managers. Data were analyzed with MS Excel and results presented as trends and proportions. Results: since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increasing prevalence in cases in the NW. Between epidemiological week 34-35 of 2021, there was a surge in COVID-19 cases in the NW. More than 70% of all COVID-19 related deaths reported in the country during epidemiological week-35 were recorded in this region. Despite this high mortality, COVID-19 vaccine uptake remains very low in the region. Indeed, just 0.6% of the 962,036-target population 18-years and above are fully immunized after 6-months of vaccination. Conclusion: though the country´s epi-curve does not suggest a third wave currently, the NW is experiencing a steady COVID-19 case surge amid insecurity and the circulation of the Delta variant. There is therefore a need to adopt innovative strategies to improve immunization and strengthen other SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures in this region. Copyright: Andreas Ateke Njoh et al.
Authors: Yauba Saidu; Marius Vouking; Andreas Ateke Njoh; Hassan Ben Bachire; Calvin Tonga; Roberts Mofor; Christain Bayiha; Leonard Ewane; Chebo Cornelius; Ndi Daniel Daddy Mbida; Messang Blandine Abizou; Victor Mbome Njie; Divine Nzuobontane Journal: Confl Health Date: 2021-02-10 Impact factor: 2.723
Authors: Tommy Nyberg; Katherine A Twohig; Ross J Harris; Shaun R Seaman; Joe Flannagan; Hester Allen; Andre Charlett; Daniela De Angelis; Gavin Dabrera; Anne M Presanis Journal: BMJ Date: 2021-06-15
Authors: Sarah V Williams; Amoolya Vusirikala; Shamez N Ladhani; Elena Fernandez Ruiz De Olano; Nalini Iyanger; Felicity Aiano; Kelly Stoker; Guduru Gopal Rao; Laurence John; Bharat Patel; Nick Andrews; Gavin Dabrera; Mary Ramsay; Kevin E Brown; Jamie Lopez Bernal; Vanessa Saliba Journal: Euro Surveill Date: 2021-07