Pretória - The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, called this Monday for the end of nationalism in vaccines, as access to vaccines continues to be unfair.
Speaking at the World Health Organization (WHO) summit, via video conference, from his office in Pretoria, the South African Head of State insisted that "it is not fair that some people just because they come from rich countries their lives are worth more than the lives of those who come from poor countries."
"Northern countries, with more developed economies, have so far vaccinated about 50% of their citizens and have fewer hospitalizations, while countries in the developing world are still struggling to get access to vaccines," he said.
In his speech, he stated that his Government is determined to work towards the proposal co-developed by India and South Africa for the waiver of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), since Africa is witnessing an increase in covid-19 infections.
He recalled that South Africa is in the middle of the third wave of infections, more serious than the previous ones, hence the only defence it has are vaccines.
"We cannot continue to depend on vaccines that are made outside Africa, because they never arrive and even when we receive them in time, we cannot prevent deaths", he stressed.
The ability to manufacture vaccines, drugs and other health-related products will change Africa's image, he admitted.
"This initiative, and others, will change the concept of an Africa that is a centre of disease and underdevelopment. Let's create a narrative that celebrates our successes in reducing the burden of disease, advancing self-sufficiency and sustainable development.", he stressed.
South Africa intends to work with the rest of the countries on the African continent to strengthen regional trade and invest in science and innovation, concluded Cyril Ramaphosa.
