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South Africa has made an initial payment to secure the COVID-19 vaccine for 10% of the country’s population.
“The National Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund are pleased to announce that an initial payment of US $ 19.2 million (R283 million) has been made to GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance) to secure South Africa’s entry into COVAX facilities, “the department said. and fund, it said in a statement Tuesday.
The payment was made in accordance with the fund’s prior allocation of funds and a commitment to support the government’s efforts to accelerate vaccine deployment in South Africa.
COVAX has confirmed the entry of South Africa into the facility. The initial payment represents 15% of the total cost of ensuring access to vaccines for 10% (approximately six million) of the population.
The country’s membership in the COVAX facility ensures that South Africa receives its fair share of the vaccine once it is available.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, has hailed this milestone as the epitome of excellence in health service delivery through multilaterism.
“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 standing for when we talk about multi-sector collaboration, and it is gratifying to see this spirit being harnessed for the good of our people, Africans and the global village,” said Mkhize.
Solidarity Fund President Gloria Serobe said there is no doubt that a COVID-19 vaccine will play an important role in helping South Africa control the virus.
“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 time, ”said Serobe.
The Director General 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,” Buthelezi said.
Now read: Only 3% of South Africans will receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the first half of 2021
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