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Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize has announced the creation of a Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) that will focus on the development of the coronavirus vaccine. Mkhize made the announcement in a statement Monday.
“In addition to the multi-sectoral MAC that focuses on community mobilization, another MAC has been created to focus on the development of the coronavirus vaccine,” Mkhize said.
The team will advise the government on all matters related to the development and implementation of the coronavirus vaccine, and will monitor and report on the progress of the candidate studies.
It will also provide guidelines on purchase options and study the feasibility of the country manufacturing vaccines in the future.
“This will ensure that the Department of Health and the government are aware of all critical international developments related to the vaccine,” Mkhize said.
Professor Barry Schoub, an expert in vaccinology and virology, will chair the committee.
The other members include Biovac’s CEO, Dr. Morena Makhoana; Glaudina Loots from the Department of Science and Technology; Executive Director of the South African Health Products Authority, Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela and Professor of Vaccines for Africa, Greg Hussey.
Professor Jeff Mphahlele, Immunologist and Member of the Board of the Health Products Regulatory Authority of South Africa; The expert adviser to the World Health Organization, Professor Helen Rees; Ethics Professor Ames Dhai and National Treasury Dr. Mark Blecher are also at MAC.
Meanwhile, Professor Salim Abdool Karim and Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana will be the observers.
Reconfigured MAC
The minister said that with the changing pattern of the pandemic, the government has deemed it necessary to reconfigure the existing Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19.
The reconfigured MAC, the Minister said, would take into account the need for the inclusion of social and behavioral scientists, among other considerations.
The Health Department has confirmed that the number of COVID-19 infections is decreasing, along with the demand for hospital beds and oxygen.
“Without a doubt, a major factor contributing to the decline we are witnessing in coronavirus transmission is the action of ordinary South Africans, who continue to adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions,” acknowledged Mkhize.
“This nation has shown that with concerted effort and solidarity it is possible to defeat the Coronavirus.” However, she continued to urge citizens to embrace the “new normal.”
“If we want to maintain this status quo of low transmission rates, we must continue to focus on the simple things that keep the Coronavirus at bay,” he said.
He has asked people to wash or disinfect their hands, keep a safe distance from each other, regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, and wear masks in public.
“The threat of a resurgence that could be more devastating than the first wave of infections remains very real. We must always remember this, ”Mkhize said.
Read: Mkhize describes the new lockdown restrictions the government is considering
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