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By Viasen Soobramoney 
1 hour ago
Cape Town: Arrogance, poor decision making and a “non-existent” vaccine strategy are some of the key ingredients for the country’s impending perfect Covid-19 storm in the coming weeks.
These are also some of the choice phrases used by prominent South African vaccinologist Professor Shabir Madhi to describe the government’s bungling in its response to Covid-19, including its national vaccination campaign.
Madhi said the Easter holidays, along with the delay in vaccinations and the upcoming winter season, could have devastating effects on the country and were a cause for grave concern.
“Our vaccine strategy is non-existent. South Africa is one of 44 countries in the world that has not started an adequate vaccination campaign.
“Given the current situation, in all likelihood we will see a third wave starting possibly after the Easter holidays, which means that when May rolls around, we could be in the middle of the third wave when the next phase of vaccinations is scheduled to begin.
“Running a vaccination campaign during a resurgence is not ideal and, unfortunately, people at high risk will be more engaged,” he said.
Madhi was initially a member of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize’s Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19, but was left out when the MAC was reconfigured.
“I have not been a member of the MAC since September of last year. I would be ashamed to be a part of this MAC, ”he said.
Madhi also questioned the government’s decision to sell its doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the UA, calling the move “contradictory.”
“The rationale for the sale of the AstraZeneca vaccine was that it was ineffective against the 501Y.V2 variant, even though research showed us that it could protect against serious diseases; then we bought millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine, whose efficacy against the 501Y.V2 variant is indeterminate, it is a complete contradiction, “he said.
“We are dealing with arrogance to the point where the MAC believes they know more than the World Health Organization, and this will come back to haunt us,” Madhi said.
Madhi is not alone in his scathing assessment of the government’s handling of the pandemic and its vaccination strategy.
Fatima Hassan, director of the Health Justice Initiative, said she was concerned about the lack of information emanating from the MAC about the vaccine strategy.
“We don’t have all the details of the vaccine strategy except what comes from the Johnson and Johnson trial study.
“This is dependent on MAC publishing their ad, which is not yet available on their website.
“So we don’t know where the strategy is and we don’t know what the timelines are, and we’re really worried,” Hassan said.
Dr Ridhwaan Suliman, principal investigator with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, also warned of a possible crisis.
According to Suliman, some of the key markers in the data analyzing the trajectory of the Covid-19 infection are cause for concern.
“The increase in key markers, which have increased by 2-3%, is certainly a cause for concern, especially with the arrival of the Easter holidays and the possibility of super broadcast events. If we don’t get over it, it could spread further. “
Suliman said that the vaccination rate was due to the amounts purchased by the government, but that the targets set were “too optimistic” and would not be met.
“We have to use the tools that are available to us and these decisions must be based on data, not dates.”
Professor Alex van den Heever, President of Social Security Systems at Wits University School of Governance, said human behavior was a determining factor and contingent actions were needed to prevent any potential over-broadcast events.
“We are not sure if we will see the same increase, but we cannot take that risk. In December, certain measures that were taken had an impact and should be considered, particularly in light of the government’s appallingly administered vaccination strategy, ”said Van den Heever.
The chairman of the Parliament’s Health Portfolio Committee, Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, declined to comment on Madhi’s criticism, but said there were concerns about an impending third wave.
“It looks like a storm is coming and I think that is why the MAC has been proactive in seeking possible measures during this period,” Dhlomo said.
The resignation of MAC’s co-chair, internationally respected Professor Salim Abdool Karim, also fueled speculation that the government’s strategy was in disarray. However, he said in a statement that his contract had come to an end and that he was returning to his academic commitments.
He will be replaced by Professor Koleka Mlisana.
Despite mounting outrage, the government remains optimistic about its handling of the pandemic and the implementation of its vaccination project.
In a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Acting Minister of the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the government hoped to vaccinate 1.5 million health workers by May 17, 13 million people from May to October. and cover the rest of the population during the period. November to February 2022.
Following Thursday’s National Coronavirus Command Council, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce stricter measures, including updating the country to the Level 2 lockdown this weekend.
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