After a long wait and criticism on SA’s failure to pay deposit of COVAX vaccine, R283m deposit had been made to secure access to Covid-19 vaccine. The National Health Department and the Solidarity Fund confirmed yesterday.
This follows concerned that were raised following SA’s missing a December 15 deadline to pay the deposit to the vaccine programme.
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Missing the deadline had Member of Parliaments (MPs) of varying parties fighting over the issue and criticising the African National Congress (ANC) for failing to make the deposit prior deadline.
The department and fund issued a joint statement, confirming that COVAX has confirmed SA’s entry into their vaccine programme.
“COVAX has confirmed SA’s entry to the facility. The down payment represents 15% of the total cost of securing access to vaccines for 10% [roughly 6 million] of the population. The country’s membership in the COVAX facility ensures that SA receives its equitable share of the vaccine once it becomes available,” said the department of health and solidarity fund.
Chairperson of the Solidarity Fund, Gloria Serobe said “there can be no doubt that a Covid-19 vaccine will play an important role in helping SA manage the virus.”
Department of Health Minister Zweli Mkhize applauded the government, international business and partner for coming together to make sure that SA get the healthcare facilities that will deliver quality heath care to the nhabitants of SA.
“This is what we have been advocating for when we speak of multisectoral collaboration and it is gratifying to see this spirit being harnessed for the good of our people, Africans and the global village,” said Mkhize.
Mkhize thanked the Solidarity Fund for playing a humongous role in the fight against Covid-19, “we convey our sincere gratitude to the Solidarity Fund for their unwavering support to government to ensure that no one gets left behind as we seek to protect our most vulnerable citizens against the scourge f Covid-19.”
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