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By Staff Reporter 
3h ago
Cape Town – The National Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund announced that Covax’s share of the country has been secured after the necessary initial payment has been made.
On Tuesday, the Health department said the initial payment of $ 19.2 million (around R283m) was made to Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) to secure South Africa’s entry into the Covax facility.
The World Health Organization describes the Covax program as the global initiative to work with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries around the world with equitable access to safe and effective vaccines.
The payment was made in accordance with the prior allocation of funds from the fund and a commitment to support the government’s efforts to accelerate the deployment of vaccines in South Africa.
Covax has confirmed South Africa’s entry into the facility.
The initial payment represents 15% of the total cost of ensuring access to vaccines for 10% (approximately 6 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 becomes available.
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 to assist in the 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 Director General of the Department of Health, Dr. Sandile Buthelezi, said: “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Solidarity Fund for providing the financial support that has allowed the country to meet the initial payment obligations as required in the terms of the agreement.
“The Health Department will make additional payments, related to vaccines delivered at Covax facilities, as they expire over the next year.”
The Minister of Health, Dr. Zwelini Mkhize, praised this milestone.
“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 for 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,” he said.
“We convey our sincere appreciation to the Solidarity Fund for its unwavering support of 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.
“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. to the identified population.
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