South Africa Vision

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, says the question on whether government should issue a legislation or regulation on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, is currently not among its priorities.

“The position of government is very clear. Our priority is to mobilise and convince people to come forward voluntarily and take the vaccine, [and] that’s really the main thrust of our strategy,” Phaahla said on Friday.

He highlighted that the government strategy is to speak to people, explain to them whatever their fears, and be able to deal with those fears so that “they can come on their own accord and receive the vaccination”.

Phaahla made the remarks as South Africans are currently debating about mandatory vaccination.

Phaahla said that while government is not oblivious of the debate, it has been left to the industry and employers.

The Minister noted that government is conscious of the fact that, as people want to get more and more freedom, the issues of mandatory vaccination is going to be quite topical.

“The question will always be, is there a way in which either, as an employer or as a provider of services, you can determine a policy to say, “in my restaurant only those who are vaccinated would be allowed” [and] that’s really a societies matter, which must be debated out there and the service providers, employers must work within the law.

“If the law allows that, the debate must carry on, but at this stage it’s not our priority to even start thinking about some kind of legislation or regulation which is every adult must vaccinate….that’s not our priority. We want to just observe [but] we are not going to get involved. We will leave it with industries,” Phaahla said.

On our side, he said the department is looking into giving “goodies” like the possibility of opening various activities, including sports and agricultural events, where a number of vaccinated people can be allowed to attend the events.

“These are the things which we are looking at, and we hope that you will support us when we come with some guidelines. We’ve been talking to the sports people, together with Minister Nathi Mthethwa, and we also spoke to the artists to say that we can do this kind of things together,” Phaahla said.

The Minister also reiterated that the new C.1.2 COVID-19 variant is currently not really a threat to South Africa, and experts are monitoring it.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa says those that choose not to vaccinate increase the risk for a resurgence of infections and prolonged economic hardship for the rest of the population.

The President said this when he responded to oral questions in a hybrid sitting of the National Assembly on Friday.

“If we can vaccinate a large proportion of our population, particularly the adult population, by December, we can avoid another devastating wave of infections and restrictions on the economy.

“Those who refuse to be vaccinated are increasing the risks for all of us, not only for a further resurgence of infections, but of prolonged economic hardship and lack of recovery.

“We therefore all have a responsibility to encourage South Africans over the age of 18 to go to their nearest vaccination sites today to protect themselves, to protect others and to help all of us get our economy back on track. Above all, vaccines are free in our country, they are safe and effective,” he said.

The President said since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in March last year, more than 82 000 people are known to have succumbed to the disease in South Africa and nearly 2.8 million people are known to have been infected.

He said the virus has caused a massive damage to the economy and disrupted education, and has increased levels of poverty and unemployment.

“When combined with other preventative measures such as mask wearing and social distancing, the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective instrument that we have to prevent deaths, reduce infections and restore the economic and social life of our country.

“Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the chances of severe disease, hospitalisation and death,” he said.

Leaders urged to encourage vaccination

The President said some leaders of society have contributed to vaccine hesitancy.

“Yes, there is hesitancy in our country in a few pockets of our community, and some of it unfortunately is also being encouraged and propelled by statements and positions that are articulated [by some leaders].

“Around the whole world, millions of people are being vaccinated against COVID-19 and let’s say that if one looks historically in our own lives, we have all been vaccinated.

“From a very young age, each one of us has been vaccinated. Even before I was vaccinated for COVID-19, I had to be vaccinated for yellow fever and when I was told that my yellow fever certificate for previous vaccinations had expired and if I wanted to travel to certain countries, especially on our continent, I should have that and if not, I should not bother.

“Vaccination is not a new thing to all of us. Therefore, for me it is absolutely bizarre that when we are dealing with a pandemic that is killing people more directly in front of our eyes, that we should be encouraging people not to be vaccinated when it has been proven that vaccination does actually save lives.”

Regulations for employees, employers on vaccination

President Ramaphosa said, however, no one should be forced to vaccinate.

He said that instead, there is a need to use the available scientific evidence to encourage people to be vaccinated to protect themselves and also to protect people around them.

“At the same time, our occupational health and safety laws require that we ensure a safe working environment.

“This situation poses challenges for employers who want to keep their workers safe from COVID-19 by respecting the rights of those who don’t want to be vaccinated.

“On the 11th of June this year, the Department of Employment and Labour issued consolidated directions on occupational health and safety measures in terms of the Disaster Management Regulations.

“The directions provide guidelines for employers that intend to make vaccinations mandatory.

“Such employers need to determine the category of employees to be vaccinated, taking into account the vulnerability of the employees owing to age or any comorbidities that they would have, as well as the risks that are posed as a result of the role of the employee for the work that they do.

“The implementation of any mandatory vaccination policies must in the end be based on mutual respect, which is the respect and rights of the people, which achieves a balance between public health imperatives, the Constitutional rights of employees and the efficient operations of the employer’s business. That is quite a delicate balance that needs to be struck.

“Employees may refuse vaccination on medical or Constitutional grounds. In such instances, the employer should counsel the employee and if requested, allow them to seek guidance from a health and safety representative or a trade union official as well as a health practitioner.

“These necessary steps should be taken to responsibly accommodate the employee in a position that does not require the employee to be vaccinated and it could range from the employee continuing to work at home without contact with others or customers or suppliers, or to be placed in an area where they are able not to interface with others to spread the virus.”

Source: South African Government News Agency

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has joined the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to caution against the use of Ivermectin to treat COVID-19.

According to SAHPRA, its position to align itself with the FDA is reflected in the statement issued in January this year, outlining its views on the drug and the Controlled Compassionate Use Programme.

“SAHPRA echoes the FDA’s stance that Ivermectin does not have proven antiviral properties against SARS-COV-2, but it is currently used to treat parasitic conditions in animals.

“It is also used to treat certain conditions in humans such as very specific doses for some parasitic worms and there are topical formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea.”

In August, the FDA said it had been receiving multiple reports of patients who had required medical support and had been hospitalised after self-medicating with Ivermectin intended for horses.

“The FDA has not approved Ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral or a drug for treating viruses,” the US agency explained.

The local drug watchdog has since reiterated that taking such a drug without it undergoing the requisite testing and protocols could adversely affect people’s health and could lead to death.

Meanwhile, the Ivermectin Controlled Compassionate Use Programme, implemented by SAHPRA on 28 January 2021, makes approved Ivermectin products accessible.

In South Africa, SAHPRA said there is registered Soolantra 10mg/g cream formulation, which contains ivermectin.

“Soolantra cream is indicated for the topical treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory lesions of papulopustular rosacea in adult patients and is not suitable for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

“As SAHPRA’s focus is on the health and wellbeing of the South African public. SAHPRA continuously engages the scientific and medical community to explore the options for controlled, monitored access to reliable quality Ivermectin-containing products for human use with simple but essential reporting requirements,” said SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.

In addition, Semete-Makokotlela said SAHPRA is monitoring the illegal sale of so-called Ivermectin by unscrupulous individuals.

“The public should not buy any drug online or from unauthorised dealers,” she said.

SAHPRA, like the FDA, cautioned against fake news and misinformation.

It reminded citizens that medical professionals should oversee the medical treatment of any disease.

Source: South African Government News Agency

At least 80% of African countries are expected to miss the global target of vaccinating at least 10% of their populations against COVID-19 by the end of September.

This was revealed by World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.

She was speaking during a press briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout on the continent on Thursday.

“Although Africa’s third wave peaked in July, the decline in new cases is at a glacial pace — far slower than in previous waves. The pandemic is still raging in Africa and we must not let our guard down. Every hour, 26 Africans die of COVID-19. As long as vaccination rates are low, severe illness and death risk are staying high,” she said.

According to Moeti, only nine of Africa’s 54 countries have already met the 10% target, including South Africa, Morocco and Tunisia.

“[T]hese countries are in the upper middle or high income brackets and have procured vaccines directly from manufacturers as well as receiving various vaccine supplies. For lower income countries that are receiving mainly vaccine donations, the situation is more dire (sic),” she said.

Dr Moeti told the briefing that less than 3% of Africa’s entire population have been fully vaccinated as opposed to Europe and the United States’ 50%.

She said this is due to vaccine inequality.

“Vaccine hoarding has held Africa back and we urgently need more vaccines, but as more doses arrive, African countries must zero in and drive forward precise plans to rapidly vaccinate the millions of people that still face a grave threat from COVID-19.

“Equally concerning is a continuing inequity in the distribution of doses. Africa counts for just 2% over the over five billion doses given globally. This percentage…hasn’t shifted in months. It is encouraging though that in the past month over 21 million doses have arrived on the continent through COVAX, that’s equal to the entire four previous months,” Dr Moeti said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, says government has enough capacity to administer vaccinations at various sites across the country.

“We are ready [and] all we need is your arms to come through so that we can inject you. We have the capacity to do 300 000 and 400 000 [vaccinations] per day throughout the country,” Phaahla said.

The Minister briefed the media on progress regarding government’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 and the national vaccination rollout programme, on Friday.

Currently, the number of people who are being vaccinated per day is between 250 and 290 000, with just under 1.4 million vaccine doses having been administered up to Thursday evening.

Phaahla highlighted that the number of people who have been vaccinated is approaching the10 million mark, with 9.7 million people who have been vaccinated as of Thursday evening. These include over six million people who are fully vaccinated with both the Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer vaccines.

“Where we are currently, we can say that just under one quarter of the adult population have had at least the jab, which translate to 24% of the population [out of the] entire population of 59 million, just over 16 and half percent, this excludes 0 and 16-year-olds,” Phaahla said.

Despite all the challenges experienced at the beginning of vaccination drive earlier this year, Phaahla said he is very proud in terms of people who have vaccinated, with Gauteng leading with just under 700 000 people who are already vaccinated. It is followed by KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Eastern and Western Cape.

The Minister visited the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital vaccination site to assess the Gauteng province’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout programme.

He said the Department of Health, together with the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on COVID-19 vaccines have taken a decision to give practical support to the provinces with their vaccination programme rollout. The visits started in Gauteng on Thursday and Friday. North West and Mpumalanga provinces are next on the list.

While acknowledging that the third wave of COVID-19 has proven to be quite stubborn, the Minister commended Gauteng for the progress made in response to the epidemic, considering that the province accounts for a quarter of the population of the country.

“We are encouraged that Gauteng is now stabilising with the new infection rate below 1000. The province has enough capacity with 10 main vaccination sites in Soweto and outreach sites. Even if the whole of Soweto can turn up, we will be able to provide enough vaccinations.”

Electronic Vaccination Data System

In a bid to make the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) more user friendly, the Department of Health has added a new functionality on the registration system, which allows people to choose the site where they want to be vaccinated, including the day and time.

The system also allows people to amend their booking, if they want to change the date and site for vaccination.

Over 9 000 new cases reported

Meanwhile, as of Thursday, South Africa recorded 2 796 405 COVID-19 cases with 9 203 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. A total of 418 deaths have also been reported, bringing the total number of deaths to 82 914. The cumulative number of recoveries now stand at 2 568 465 with a recovery rate of 91.8%.

Source: South African Government News Agency