Johannesburg: South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia.
According to South African Government News Agency, Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi addressed the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), which is underway in Johannesburg. He stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this ‘a variant under monitoring’ due to its growing presence.
India is the latest country to experience a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant, NB.1.8.1. Infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and China. In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week.
Dr. Motsoaledi reassured the gathering about South Africa’s preparedness, stating that the country has robust surveillance systems in place. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, the data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity.
South Africa is experiencing a seasonal rise in influenza, but Dr. Motsoaledi emphasized that the country is well-equipped to manage the situation. He noted that the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage, meaning that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective, and no specific new public health actions are required from the public at this stage.
The government continues to promote good hygiene practices, such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell, as these measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. The situation will be monitored closely, and any significant changes will be reported through established networks.
Dr. Motsoaledi called on attendees to work together with renewed urgency and resolve, building a future where solidarity, equity, and cooperation are the cornerstones of global health architecture. The week-long Health Working Group meeting, which began on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday, brings together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world’s largest economies, invited nations, and international organizations.
The plenary sessions will focus on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and address ongoing barriers to accessing countermeasures, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, there will be discussion on expanding local and regional manufacturing capacity, especially in regions like Africa, and exploring opportunities for technology transfer, sustainable financing, and regulatory alignment to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools during health emergencies.