Key Changes and Insights Since Previous Report:

  • India reported over 3,600 new COVID-19 cases on April 3rd. This represents the largest single day increase in new cases in over 6 months.

  • The World Health Organization is monitoring the XBB.1.16 subvariant that is currently circulating in India.

  • The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) have authorized the use of Bimervax as a COVID-19 booster vaccine. Bimervax is a bivalent, recombinant protein vaccine.

  • South Korea plans to start using wastewater surveillance to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

  • The health systems and response pillar of ACT-A has received $10 million in additional funding, and is now 35.9% funded.

  • Botswana has achieved 70% vaccination coverage.