The South African government turned away from this vaccine in early February following the findings of a small local study. She pointed out an ineffectiveness of moderate forms of the disease due to the South African variant. The government, which had spent almost seven million euros on acquiring these doses, did not want to waste them at any cost.
as reported from Johannesburg, Romain Song
Resale at the purchase price is a good bargain for the South African government. Fourteen countries of the African Union– whose list has not been released – has shown interest in receiving unused doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The doses are delivered this week when they are due to expire at the end of April.
No more backtracking for South Africa. The country had sparked controversy by abandoning the vaccine only a week after receiving the first doses. Ironically, the professor behind the study, who disqualified Oxford-AstraZeneca, regrets the government’s decisions.
Slow vaccination campaign
Professor Shabir Madhi said he was mortified that this vaccine was abandoned. He told to use the doses on those most at risk. Of late, South Africa turned to other producers such as Johnson & Johnson, even though it meant a dangerous decline the vaccination campaign.
Only 200,000 people have received a dose within a few days. The government’s goal was to vaccinate 40 million South Africans by the end of the year. At the current rate, it will take more than 17 years to achieve this.
In South Africa, Covid-19 has killed 52,000 people. The country fears a third epidemic wave in June.
.
