Africa is experiencing its fastest surge in Covud-19 cases this year, with the number up 83 per cent in the past week, although deaths remain low, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

The spike in cases is driven by the Delta and Omicron variants, the WHO said in a statement. The number of new Covid-19 cases on the continent is currently doubling every five days, the shortest time frame reported this year, Reuters reports.

Africa's low inoculation rates have encouraged viral mutations like the new Omicron variant to spread, according to health experts. The continent struggled to obtain vaccine doses until recently, and is facing challenges to distribute them including lack of funds, staff and equipment.