South Africa has made a down payment to secure the COVID-19 vaccine for 10% of the country’s population.
“The National Department of Health and the
Solidarity Fund are pleased to announce that a down payment of US $19.2 million
USD (R283 million) has been made to GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance) to secure South
Africa’s entry into the COVAX facility,” the department and fund said in a
statement on Tuesday.
The payment was made in line with the fund’s
previous allocation of funds and commitment to support government’s efforts to
accelerate the roll out of vaccines in South Africa.
COVAX has confirmed South Africa’s entry into
the facility. The down payment represents 15% of the total cost of securing
access to vaccines for 10% (roughly six million) of the population.
The country’s membership in the COVAX facility
ensures that South Africa receives its equitable share of the vaccine once it
becomes available.
Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has hailed
this 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 business for the
sole purpose of delivering quality health care to the people of South Africa.
“This is what we have been advocating for when
we speak of multi-sectoral collaboration, and it is gratifying to see this
spirit being harnessed for the good of our people, Africans and the global
village,” Mkhize said.
Done By: Mitchum George
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