President Ramaphosa: “no one will be left behind”, as gov prepares to receive first batch of Covid-19 vaccine
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Photo: Presidency
As South Africa prepares itself to receive Covid-19 vaccine, President Matamela Ramaphosa said that the government will work hard to make sure that no one is left behind in the mass vaccination.
He said that a comprehensive rollout strategy and an accompanying logistical framework will be implemented in partnership with the private sector, civil society, traditional leadership, the religious sector and others.
He said these words in his weekly publication from the Presidents’ desk.
Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize announced mid-January that the country will receive first batch set to be prioritised for medical workers late January or early February from the Serum Institute in India, which is the world’s largest vaccine producer.
About 1,5million doses of Astrazeneca vaccine are set to land in the country in the coming few weeks.
“The doses that South Africa will receive through its participation in these initiatives, together with the agreements being made directly with manufacturers, should ensure that the country has sufficient vaccines to contain the spread of the virus.”
“Understanding that vaccines are essential if we are to overcome the pandemic, government has been working, both through multilateral initiatives and direct negotiations with manufacturers, to ensure South Africa can make the best use of vaccines when they become available.”
President also commented on the concern that was raised about the government’s transparency or lack of transparency in the acquisition of the vaccine. He said that all the information regarding the vaccine will be made public soon.
“We recognise that it is important that the public must be kept abreast of developments on vaccine acquisition at all times. And government must be held to account for all the decisions it makes in this regard. Freedom of speech and open public debate are cornerstones of our democracy, as is the media’s right to scrutinise and interrogate all government’s policies and decisions.”
He added that the government has embarked on an extensive communications campaign to educate the population about the COVID-19 vaccine, and to challenge many of the misconceptions in circulation.
“All of us need to be part of this national effort and not allow the spread of rumours, fear and mistrust. False information and fake news can and does put lives at risk. We all need to work together to build confidence in the vaccine, to demonstrate its effectiveness and its safety – and to emphasise its vital importance in overcoming this deadly disease”.
