Almost two years later: what an impossible toll of covid-19 in Guinea!

On March 12, 2020, Guinea woke up to the appearance of covid-19 and several confirmed cases in the city of Conakry. Two years later, the entire country is still living at the rhythm of the circulation of the virus and health restrictions. This health crisis has left its mark on the social and economic life of Guineans. Assessment, figures, deaths, management of the pandemic, vaccination… where are we? Dr Sory Condé, responsible for studies and monitoring at the ANSS department, gives us an initial assessment of the effects of the current crisis. A complete file.

Dr Sory Condé, responsible for studies and surveillance at the ANSS department, recalls the appearance of covid-19 and its different variants, supported by statistics: “The first case of covid-19 was recorded in Guinea in March 2020. But, well before that, we had already developed and prepared the implementation and response plan. From this date, until yesterday there was a total of 36,013 who tested positive for covid-19; when we relate this to the number of people testing positive, we are on average around 5% positivity. The evolution of the pandemic has been marked by the occurrence of epidemic waves, of which we have experienced four: the strain, Alpha, Delta and Omicron that we are currently experiencing. It must be said that the Omicron variant is mainly in circulation in Guinea, as are the other variants.

The supply of Russian vaccines

In March 2021, the vaccination campaign was launched on the national territory following the offer of Sputnik V vaccines made by Russia. “Vaccination was officially launched on March 5, 2021. But what you need to know, before March 2021, we had already received vaccine from Russia in relation to bilateral relations, which was for 25 people. So we did the pilot phase in December 2020, by setting up a vaccination site at the Presidency of the Republic, the first people were vaccinated from there. And it was at the end of this that we were able to improve the Covax vaccination plan, to be able to launch it a month later in the region. underlines Dr Condé.

A failed bet by the ANSS

The national health security agency had set itself the challenge of injecting a very large number of people by the end of 2021. But with the change of regime last September, the cause of the missed appointment was the freezing of the Agency's accounts and the cessation of vaccination operations. “Unfortunately we achieved the objectives we set for ourselves. But there are factors that explain this, the coup that took place relaxed activities; we have seen the number of people vaccinated per day drop. We vaccinated around 35,000 to 45,000 people per day. We had times when we couldn't reach even 5,000 people a day. So, this has significantly impacted the vaccination angle,” remembers the study and monitoring manager at the ANSS department.

The shortage of vaccines in stock

Guinea being a country that does not produce a vaccine, there came a time when the National Health Security Agency faced a major difficulty linked to the shortage of vaccines in stock.. “There was a point when we were faced with a shortage of vaccines, because we had to order and acquire them through the Covax plan. In this initiative, we do not have air fleets. says Dr. Sory Condé.

Omicron more contagious less dangerous

Among all the variants of covid-19 existing in Guinea, Omicron takes precedence over the others. The new contaminations of this moment are his responsibility. What about this one?“When you take Omicron, it is 7 times more contagious than other variants, but less lethal. In our country currently, 54% of variants come from Omicron. says Dr Condé.

When will the pandemic end?

According to the count of covid-19 cases on January 24, 1,127 were tested that day, including 61 positive. Furthermore, Guinea deplores 416 hospitalized deaths since the start of the pandemic. It is known to everyone that the pandemic is not yet under control, other variants could eventually emerge; then only vaccination and respect for barrier gestures can help us better protect ourselves from the virus.

Amadou Dari Diallo