[ad_1]
The National Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund have announced the initial payment of $ 19.2 million (R283 million) to the GAVI vaccine alliance to secure entry from South Africa to the Covax facility.
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 the launch of vaccines in South Africa, it said in a statement on Tuesday (December 22).
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 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 becomes 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 Health Department will make additional payments related to vaccines delivered at Covax facilities as they expire over the next year, he said.
“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,” said Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize.
“This is what we have been advocating 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.
“We convey our sincere appreciation to the Solidarity Fund for its 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.”
Mkhize said the collaboration with CovaxFacility will continue as South Africa intensifies its efforts to implement the systems and processes necessary to ensure that, among other logistics and health systems strengthening requirements, the cold supply chain is ready to immunize the identified population.
Read: South Africa misses Covax deadline to secure vaccines
[ad_2]
