Deputy President David Mabuza said he was satisfied with the storage of vaccines following an oversight visit to Biovac Institute in Midrand recently.
Biovac Institute, which is in partnership with the South African government, is focusing on ensuring that the country has the required domestic capacity to respond to both local and regional Covid-19 vaccine needs.
Mabuza was accompanied by Phumla Williams, the director-general for the Government Communication and Information System Department; Khumbidzo Ntshavheni, the acting minister in the presidency; and Dr Morena Makhosana, the CEO for Biovac.
Matshepo Seedat, media liaison in the office of the deputy president explained that the visit to Biovac Institute was to inspect the complex process of vaccine labelling, repackaging, final quality measures and steps that were being taken in-house before the vaccines reached their final destination.
Seedat added that the meeting also showcased the country’s science and innovation capabilities. “It was a way of exploring local manufacturing of vaccines by the Deputy President David Mabuza in his capacity as the chairperson of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Covid-19 Vaccines,” said Seedat.
“Additionally, the deputy president received a briefing on the work the institute is undertaking to begin local production of vaccines, as part of domestic capability. “The deputy president was satisfied with the capability of South Africa through Biovac Institute not only to store vaccines but also as a platform for local manufacturing of vaccines.”
Do you think South Africa is well-equipped for the vaccine rollout? Please share your thoughts on our social media platforms.
Related Article:
