Violent looting derails South Africa’s vaccination program

The recent violent looting and riots in South Africa have had a significant impact on the country's vaccination program, causing disruptions in vaccine distribution and availability. Stavros Nicolaou, Chair of the Health Committee of Businesses SA, provided a detailed insight into the extent of the damage caused by the unrest in a recent CNBC Africa interview. Nicolaou revealed that the Kovech facility, where vaccines are manufactured, has fortunately not been affected by the riots. However, the impact has been largely confined to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with some disruptions in other areas. The unrest led to the closure of vaccine sites in KZN, resulting in a drop from an average of 190,000 vaccines administered per day to around 145,000. This decline was attributed to the closure of sites and the destruction of pharmacies and warehouses in the region. The disruptions have also affected the supply of essential medicines, particularly in KZN where the UPD facility, a major medicine supplier, was looted and vandalized. This poses a threat to those dependent on chronic medications and could further strain an already burdened healthcare system. Additionally, the sabotage at the Durban Harbor, a crucial port for pharmaceutical imports, could impact the medium-term supply of medicines in the country. Despite the challenges, Nicolaou reassured that the supplies of vaccines from companies like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson remain on track. Pfizer has committed to delivering 16.5 million doses in quarter three, with no expected disruptions. Similarly, Johnson & Johnson's products are being manufactured in Quebec, minimizing any immediate impact on supply. Furthermore, the donation of 1.8 million Pfizer doses from the U.S. remains unaffected and is expected to arrive in the country soon. However, Nicolaou highlighted the urgent need to stabilize the situation in KZN to resume the vaccination program effectively. He emphasized the importance of restoring law and order, increasing the presence of security forces, and providing relief packages to support affected businesses and individuals. In response to the crisis, the government has been called upon to take decisive action to address the immediate challenges and ensure the continuity of the vaccination program. Nicolaou emphasized the need for a coordinated effort from all stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the unrest on public health and the economy. While the current situation presents significant obstacles to achieving the vaccination targets set by the government, Nicolaou remains optimistic that with swift intervention and cooperation, the program can recover lost ground and continue its efforts to vaccinate a significant portion of the population by the end of the year. As South Africa navigates through these turbulent times, the collaborative efforts of government, businesses, and the public will be crucial in overcoming the disruptions caused by the recent unrest and ensuring the successful implementation of the vaccination program.