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COVAX is a well-funded global collaboration involving 187 countries. (Photo: hpnonline.com / Wikipedia)
The Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund said in a joint statement on December 22 that COVAX has confirmed South Africa’s entry into the facility. The country’s membership in the COVAX facility ensures that South Africa receives its fair share of the vaccine once it is available.
South Africa has made a deposit of R283 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to secure the country’s entry to the COVAX facility. This initial payment is 15% of what is needed to ensure vaccines for 10% of the population. This equates to approximately 6 million people.
The Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund said in a joint statement on December 22 that COVAX has confirmed South Africa’s entry into the facility. The country’s membership in the COVAX facility ensures that South Africa receives its fair share of the vaccine once it is available.
“There is no doubt that a Covid-19 vaccine will play an important role in helping South Africa control the virus,” said Gloria Serobe, president of the Solidarity Fund. “The Solidarity Fund was created for exactly this purpose: to contribute to the work of the government and assist in initiatives and programs that have the greatest impact in the fight against the pandemic. The fund is grateful to be in a position to help at this crucial juncture. “
The general director of the Department of Health, Dr. Sandile Buthelezi, thanked the Solidarity Fund for “providing the financial support that has allowed the country to meet its advance payment obligations, as required by the agreement. The Department of Health will make additional payments related to vaccines delivered under the COVAX facility as they expire over the next year. “
The Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, described it as “the epitome of excellence in the provision of health services through multilateralism. It is a privilege to oversee a process that has brought together government, international partners and businesses for the sole purpose of providing quality healthcare to the people of South Africa. This is what we have been advocating when we speak of multi-sector collaboration and it is gratifying to see this spirit being harnessed for the good of our people, Africans and the global village. We convey our sincere appreciation to the Solidarity Fund for their unwavering support to the government to ensure that no one is left behind as we seek to protect our most vulnerable citizens against the scourge of Covid-19. “
The statement said collaboration with the COVAX facility will continue as South Africa intensifies its efforts to “implement the systems and processes necessary to ensure that, among other health systems strengthening and logistical requirements, the cold supply chain is ready to immunize the population. ” identified”. DM / MC
