[ad_1]
The deadline to pay was last week, but a clerical error by the Vaccine Alliance meant that the money could not be paid.
ARCHIVE: The alliance and the Department of Health were in long discussions. Image: 123rf.
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa has finally paid the deposit that will ensure the COVID-19 vaccine for 10% of the population.
The deadline to pay was last week, but a clerical error by the Vaccine Alliance meant that the money could not be paid.
The alliance and the Department of Health were in long discussions.
“The National Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund are pleased to announce that the initial payment of USD 19.2 million (amounted to R283 million at the exchange rate at the time of payment) to GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance ) to secure South Africa Entry into Covax facilities. The payment was made in accordance with the previous allocation of funds from the fund and a commitment to support the government’s efforts to accelerate the deployment of vaccines in South Africa, ”the Department of Health and the Solidarity Fund said in a joint statement.
The Solidarity Fund paid 283 million rand to the alliance on Tuesday in accordance with the fund’s previous allocation of money intended to help the government accelerate the deployment of vaccines 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 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 is available. “
Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize hailed the 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 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, ”said Mkhize.
Download the EWN app on your iOS or Android device.
[ad_2]
