Photo: Unsplash
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been less than pleased with government’s plans to secure a COVID-19 vaccine
Photo: Unsplash
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has once again taken shots at government over its plans (or lack thereof) for a COVID-19 vaccine, but this time the party has a plan which it claims, can bring the groundbreaking treatment in the country much sooner.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the country had managed to pay the R327 million required towards the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) COVAX facility and that it can be expected anytime after March.
In the same vein, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said they expect to see at least 67% of the population being vaccinated by the end of the year.
The DA has said government now needs to put the people first and urgently secure a bi-lateral deal to expedite the arrival of the vaccine to our shores.
“Other nations have been able to do this. Why can’t we? The nation of Colombia, a country with almost identical socio-economic circumstances as South Africa has managed to immediately source a Covid-19 vaccine and has secured 9 million doses,” said DA leader John Steenhuisen.
He said despite Colombia being part of the same programme as South Africa (COVAX), the South American country has realised the delays and shortcomings of the initiative and thus opted for a bi-lateral approach to swiftly secure the vaccine for its citizens.
“Like many other emerging economies, South Africa needs to opt for this route. We have put together a 6-point action plan to ensure that access to a Covid-19 vaccine for all South Africans is fast tracked so that our country and its people can get back on their feet,”
DA leader John Steenhuisen