Covid-19: South Africa wants to vaccinate 67% of its population in 2021

Thabisle Khlatshwayo, a South African volunteer, getting ready to receive a vaccine against Covid-19 being tested in Johannesburg, November 30, 2020. AP - Jerome Delay

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The South African government has so far been very discreet about its strategy to obtain doses and vaccinate its population against the new coronavirus, even as clinical trials are taking place in the country.

A forum of scientific experts denounced this weekend the lack of clarity and information provided to the public on the negotiations undertaken by the government.

The Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, finally broke his silence on Sunday January 3.

He laid out his plans for the country.

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With our correspondent in Johannesburg,

Claire Bargelès

Zweli Mkhize said he was aware of the urgency of the situation and intends to acquire enough to vaccinate nearly 40 million South Africans by the end of the year: " 

We are aiming at a minimum vaccination target of 67%. of the population, to achieve collective immunity.

These vaccines should be available by the end of 2021.

 "

According to the Minister of Health,

South Africa

is already guaranteed to receive enough to vaccinate 10% of its population thanks to the Covax device, by half of the year 2021. But for the rest, nothing has happened. yet been signed with the laboratories: “ 

We still have to find something to vaccinate the remaining 57%.

We try as much as possible to get doses before those of Covax.

We may think we will be able to get some as early as February.

But it all depends on the bilateral negotiations that we are currently conducting with the various companies.

 "

We have always said the second wave is going to be coming and the only way we will be protected is by developing herd immunity through vaccination.

#VaccineStrategy

- Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) January 3, 2021

► Read also: Covid-19: South African hospitals fear being overwhelmed by the second wave

Discussions are currently underway with

Pfizer

, AstraZeneca, and the Russian and Chinese governments.

And once the doses have been purchased, the vaccination will be done in phases, according to Anban Pillay, director general in charge of health regulations at the Ministry of Health: “ 

The first step will target health personnel.

Then, as a second step, we will vaccinate essential workers, people over 60 years of age, and adults with co-morbidities.

 "

The government intends to set up public-private partnerships to finance its vaccination program.

South Africa has more than a million cases since the start of the pandemic and is approaching 30,000 deaths.

A figure that makes it the most bereaved country on the African continent.

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• South Africa

• Coronavirus

• Health and medicine