JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa has received an additional 20 million coronavirus vaccines with Pfizer, The Sunday Times national newspaper reported on Sunday, citing an interview with the health minister.
Africa’s most advanced economy has been one of the slowest among emerging market countries to get enough vaccines for the majority of their population and is expected to start they administer the first shots next month.
The extra doses could push total supply secured by the worst continent country over 40 million. South Africa has recorded more than 1.4 million cases of COVID-19 with nearly 44,000 deaths.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told the Sunday Times: “These vaccines are secure and await final agreement manufacturers with details of delivery dates and exact amounts. ”
The article did not provide further details and the ministry did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters.
To date South Africa has received approximately 12 million doses from the COVAX vaccine circulation scheme co – led by the World Health Organization, 12 million from the African Union settlement, and 9 million from Johnson & Johnson.
The first batch of 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccine is expected to reach February 1, expected by health care workers. They are the AstraZeneca paintings, produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
A further 500,000 doses are expected from the SII in February, also for health workers.
Reciting with Mfuneko Toyana; Edited by Andrew Cawthorne