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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to persist in many countries around the world, the World Health Organization has launched the COVAX program to accelerate the search for an effective vaccine, and South Africa wants to get involved.
JOHANNESBURG – The Solidarity Fund said it had earmarked R 327 million as a down payment for South Africa to join the World Health Organization’s COVAX program.
The fund, which was created by President Cyril Ramaphosa in March, has raised R3.14 billion in donations to date.
The fund will have to continue its work until next year when the second wave of COVID-19 hits the country.
READ: South Africa experiences second wave of COVID-19 – Mkhize
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to persist in many countries around the world, the World Health Organization has launched the COVAX program to accelerate the search for an effective vaccine and South Africa wants to get involved.
The executive director of the Solidarity Fund, Tandi Nzimande, said they have set aside millions for that.
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“This particular donation is intended for the down payment required for South Africa to join the program. It represents 15% of the total cost of ensuring access to the vaccine for 10% of the population. That would be approximately six million people.”
While the government has been urged to ensure early access to large quantities of a COVID-19 vaccine, the WHO is working to secure 2 billion doses of the vaccine by the end of next year.
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