Health
As the COVID-19 pandemic has starkly demonstrated, a nation’s health is inextricably linked with its economic progress and social development. Government will therefore continue with the work
underway to ensure universal health coverage for everyone in South Africa, regardless of their ability to pay.
While public hearings on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill are continuing in Parliament, much progress is being made in preparing for the introduction of NHI. More than 59 million people are
registered in the Health Patient Registration System.
By September 2021, more than 56 000 additional health workers had been recruited and more than 46 000 community health workers integrated into the public health system. For the last two years, the education of children and young people has been severely disrupted.
“As we return to normal educational activity, we will work harder to ensure that all learners and students get the quality education they need and deserve.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 10 February 2022, Cape Town City Hall.
Strengthening the Health System
Over the past two years, government has taken unprecedented actions to strengthen the health system, build laboratory capacity and prevent infections. The nation owes a great debt of gratitude to the dedicated healthcare workers and other frontline staff who put their health and their lives at risk to care for the ill and vulnerable during this pandemic.
Vaccine roll-out
During the past year, government focused on accelerating vaccine roll-out. By mid-February 2022, government had administered 30 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Consequently, nearly 42% of all adults and 60% of everyone over 50 is fully vaccinated. Government is now ready to enter a new phase in the management of the pandemic.
It is government’s intention to end the National State of Disaster as soon as it has finalised other measures under the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003) and other legislation to contain the pandemic. Nearly all restrictions on economic and social activity have already been lifted. Vaccines have proven to be the best defence against illness and death from COVID-19.
“If we all get vaccinated, continue to observe basic health measures and remain ever vigilant, we will be able to get on with our lives even with the virus in our midst. The state of the nation is linked inextricably to the state of our economy. In addition to the divides of race, geography and education, COVID-19 has exacerbated the divide between those who are employed and unemployed.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 10 February 2022, Cape Town City Hall.
Vaccine production
Government will increase its efforts to develop Africa’s ability to manufacture vaccines. It has made significant progress here in South Africa. Government now has two South African companies – Aspen and Biovac – with contracts to produce COVID-19 vaccines. Two additional vaccine projects have also been announced.
In addition, government has full local production capability for ventilators, hand sanitisers, medical-grade face masks and gloves and therapeutic drugs and anaesthetics.
This production capability worth many billions of rand of production annually, has been put in place in less than two years. South African products have been exported to other African countries, securing them vital supplies and expanding jobs for young South Africans.
Solidarity Fund
Within weeks of the first reported infection in the country, government announced the establishment of the Solidarity Fund, with the goal of uniting the country in the fight against the pandemic. In a wave of generosity that swept the country, the fund raised R3.4 billion from more than 300 000 individuals and 3 000 companies and foundations. More than 400 individuals and 100 companies volunteered their time and services.
The fund has played a pivotal role in supporting the national health response and alleviating the humanitarian crisis. Government thanks everyone who contributed to the Solidarity Fund and the great many who came together in countless other initiatives to support those affected by the pandemic.
“As the trajectory of the pandemic has continued to change, we have had to adapt and evolve. Our approach has been informed throughout by the best available scientific evidence, and we have stood out both for the quality of our scientists and for their involvement in every step of our response.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA, 10 February 2022, Cape Town City Hall.
Related links
Source: State of the Nation Address Highlights [PDF]
