UNICEF welcomes South Africa’s commitment to donate some 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses

Statement by UNICEF South Africa Representative, Christine Muhigana

PRETORIA, 18 December 2021 – “We welcome the donation by the South African Government of more than 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the African continent.

This donation through the African Vaccination Acquisition Trust further highlights the lead role that South Africa is playing both regionally and globally in the COVID-19 response.

We are in an ongoing race to save lives, to slow the spread of the virus and stop further mutations that could lead to new COVID-19 variants. To do that, we need to collectively achieve vaccine equity and these doses will go to Africa’s lowest income countries.

UNICEF South Africa is committed to its ongoing support to the Department of Health and all partners to increase vaccination rates across the country. We thank the Government, the private sector, academia, and civil society for their commitment in striving towards South Africa’s 70 per cent vaccination coverage target of the eligible population.

Children across South Africa and the continent have had their lives upended by the broad ranging impact of COVID-19.

Children cannot afford to lose any more parents or caregivers, to miss more school or routine healthcare services, to go without another meal or be exposed to any more violence at home, in their communities, or online."