The U.S. government is continuing to support the Government of South Africa’s COVID-19 response with an additional R45 million ($3 million) of funding through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This assistance will be used to support vaccine distribution, field hospitals, and data surveillance as South Africa’s fight against COVID-19 progresses.
“The U.S. government remains committed to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and to supporting the Government of South Africa’s vaccine rollout strategy. Rapid vaccination in South Africa and the world is critical, especially as new variants emerge and spread. The U.S. Mission, through our health team, is uniquely positioned to leverage its experience delivering HIV and TB services and its relationships with the South African government and private sector to support smooth vaccine delivery and prevent further transmission,” said Chargé d’Affaires Todd Haskell.
Through a local implementing partner, Right to Care, USAID will support vaccine delivery and other health services. This funding will also support a call center to assist and monitor vaccine recipients experiencing adverse effects and will extend USAID’s support to field hospitals in the Eastern Cape and Free State. Additionally, USAID will also provide separate technical assistance for supply chain needs, such as vaccine inventory logistics, supplies and sourcing for syringes and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and production capacity.
To date, the U.S. government has contributed over R785 million ($54 million) to assist with COVID-19 in South Africa, which includes USAID’s contribution of R266 million ($17.9 million). In addition, the United States is the world’s largest single donor supporting COVAX. Our $2 billion of support thus far represents nearly forty percent of all commitments to the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment, which pools global demand and funding to help low- and middle-income economies access COVID-19 vaccines.
To read previous press releases on United States assistance to South Africa, please visit: https://za.usembassy.gov/category/press-releases/
For more information on the U.S. global response to COVID-19, please visit: https://www.state.gov/coronavirus