The Vax Calculator by Media Hack reveals that at the current pace of approximately 6 000 vaccinations per day in South Africa, herd immunity would only be achieved after 18 years. This effectively sets both the province and the country on a reckless path, chartered by national government, that would decimate lives and cripple livelihoods for generations. This comes as today, during the Health Standing Committee meeting on the main appropriation for 2021/22 financial year, we heard how provincial revenue acts as a buffer to a decrease in conditional grants from national government, and to escalate services should more vaccines become available from national government.
At the time of our anniversary since the first case was recorded in the province, more than 11 600 families have been adversely affected by Covid-19 in the province in the worst unanticipated form. It is important that we concentrate every effort to limit every adverse effect in the year ahead and beyond.
As the Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape, we thus welcome the announcement by the Provincial Minister of Finance, David Maynier to avail R 75 million to procure additional 500 000 single shot vaccines to support national government efforts, should suppliers indicate availability to the province.
The Vax Calculator further indicated that to achieve immunity by 2022, 210 000 shots need to administered every day. Yesterday, the province vaccinated just over 2 000 people, the highest yet since inception of the roll-out programme. The province aims to escalate its roll-out strategy to up to 30 000 jabs per day, in order achieve immunity in line with national targets, but is entirely held back by a lack of delivery from national government.
We cannot afford to be hamstrung by mere vaccine trial studies. We need a proper, well-funded and resourced vaccination programme now.
Though national government has reiterated that it not be necessary for the province to explore avenues for procurement, the pace at which we set out achieve immunity is crucial to the well-being of our future. Vaccinations prevent and limit mortality, protect the healthcare system in the very likelihood of subsequent waves of unknown intensities, and prevents our economy from further regulatory burnout.
I have submitted parliamentary questions regarding the existing challenges with roll-out plans in the province and how the provincial department of health mitigates these risks for improved efficiency. Rolling out vaccines remain the main competency of provincial government, for which R325.6 million has been set aside for the current financial year.
The availing of funds to procure additional vaccines despite budgetary cuts to the department for the financial year speaks to the commitment of one of the core values of a caring provincial government and the pledges made in the WC SOPA 2021. The DA at provincial parliament will continue to hold the executive to account to ensure the best ongoing response to Covid-19.
