The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that, as of 21 July 2024, more than 775 million confirmed cases and more than seven million deaths from COVID-19 have been reported globally since the pandemic began.

This was announced in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Globally, during the 28-day period (24 June to 21 July), the number of new cases and deaths increased by 30 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively.

“Compared to the previous 28-day period (27 May to 23 June), with more than 186,000 new cases reported across 96 (41 per cent) countries and over 2,800 new fatalities reported across 35 (15 per cent) countries.

“As of 21 July 2024, more than 775 million confirmed cases and more than seven million deaths have been reported globally since the start of the pandemic,” it said.

During the same period, 46 and 35 countries provided data at least once on COVID-19 hospitalisations and admissions to an intensive care unit (ICU), respectively.

From the available data, more than 23,000 new hospitalisations and more than 600 new ICU admissions were reported.

“Among the countries reporting these data consistently over the current and past reporting period, there was an overall increase of 11 per cent and 3 per cent in new hospitalisations and new ICU admissions, respectively,” it said.

The statement also mentioned that the organisation published the latest COVID-19 Vaccination Insights Report for quarter one (Jan.-Mar.).

Globally, 9.8 million individuals received a dose of COVID-19

vaccine across 73 reporting Member States (MS), covering 22 per cent of the global population.

Among older adults, 4.9 million individuals received a dose across the 60 MS reporting on uptake in the group, corresponding to an uptake rate of 0.42 per cent so far in 2024.

(NAN)