COVID-19 Reports Update

Weekly Epidemiological Update

31 August 2023

In the last 28-day period (24 July to 20 August 2023), nearly 1.5 million new COVID-19 cases and over 2000 deaths were reported from WHO’s six regions, an increase of 63% and a decrease of 48%, respectively, compared to the previous 28 days. As of 20 August 2023, over 769 million confirmed cases and over 6.9 million deaths have been reported globally. Three WHO regions reported increases in the number of cases, while two regions reported decreases. While four WHO regions reported decreases in the number of deaths, the East Mediterranean Region reported an increase in deaths. In this WEU edition, we have included all available data from the Region of the Americas since the start of the pandemic up to 6 August 2023 in the global figures. Currently, reported cases do not accurately represent infection rates due to the reduction in testing and reporting globally. During this 28-day period, 44% (103 of 234) of countries reported at least one case to WHO – a proportion that has been declining since mid-2022.

In this edition, we include:

The COVID-19 epidemiological update at the global and the regional levels
An update on hospitalizations and ICU admissions
An update on the SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest (VOI) and variants under monitoring (VUM)

Erratum: On 30 August 2023, the WEU edition 157 was corrected with the following text “In addition, one country (Switzerland) has reported detection of BA.2.86 in wastewater samples.”

See the update

New WHO Civil Society Commission to strengthen civil society organizations’ role in accelerating progress in global health

The WHO Civil Society Commission aims at better channelling advice and recommendations on global health priorities from civil society to WHO, it is currently comprised of 120 organizations. Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, WHO Director-General, encourages the Commission's Steering Committee members to consult with its members on future organizational priorities for WHO.

See the press release

Alert on Afghanistan's Humanitarian Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new Alert calling for increased investment in healthcare service provision in Afghanistan, particularly in underserved areas that are severely under-resourced and vulnerable due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

See the appeal

Live Q&A on COVID-19 with Dr Maria Van Kerkhove

Monthly Operational Update, July

See the update

WHO's response to health emergencies annual report

Contingency Fund for Emergencies

WHO's Health Emergency Appeal 2023

COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan

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