Latest news with #4thHealthWorkingGroup
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
SA highlights strong surveillance as new COVID variant spreads across Asia
South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia. This is according to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), which is underway in Johannesburg. Motsoaledi said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this 'a variant under monitoring' due to its growing presence. India is the latest country to experience a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant, NB.1.8.1. According to the Independent, infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and China. In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week. 'I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. 'Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,' Motsoaledi explained. South Africa is currently experiencing a seasonal rise in influenza, but the country is well-prepared to manage the situation, he said. 'Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.' Motsoaledi said government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell. 'These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.' Meanwhile, he called on the attendees of the meeting to work together with 'renewed urgency and unwavering resolve'. 'Let us build a future where solidarity, equity, and cooperation are the cornerstones of our global health architecture.' The week-long Health Working Group meeting began on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday. It brings together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world's largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations. The plenary sessions will build on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and address ongoing barriers to accessing countermeasures, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There will be a focus on prioritising the expansion of local and regional manufacturing capacity, especially in regions like Africa. Delegates will also explore opportunities for technology transfer, sustainable financing, and regulatory alignment to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools during health emergencies. –
The South African
4 days ago
- Health
- The South African
Aaron Motsoaledi hails historic Pandemic Agreement at G20 Health Summit
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has praised the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement during the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) held in Johannesburg. This significant international treaty, supported by 124 member states, is only the second international health treaty approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since its establishment in 1948. The agreement's adoption follows three years of intensive negotiation launched due to gaps and inequities identified in the national and global COVID-19 response. It aims to boost global collaboration to ensure a stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics. Delivering the welcome address on Tuesday morning, Aaron Motsoaledi celebrated the momentous achievement and emphasised the importance of collective action in ensuring global health security. 'Your presence here today is a testament to our collective commitment to global health security,' he said. Motsoaledi stated that the agreement results from the diligent efforts of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), which was established to develop a legally binding framework for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. 'The stark lessons of the COVID-19 crisis fuelled our collective resolve to forge a more robust and equitable framework, one that ensures international cooperation and protects all nations from the devastating impact of future pandemics,' the Minister told the attendees. South Africa, playing a pivotal leadership role as a co-chair of the INB, worked alongside partners from France and the Netherlands, while acknowledging contributions from vice-chairs representing Brazil, Thailand, Egypt, and New Zealand. The Minister stated that the four key pillars of the agreement are designed to fundamentally transform the global response to health emergencies. The agreement emphasises the importance of equitable access to pandemic-related health products, the establishment of a global supply chain and logistics network, and the creation of a coordinating financial mechanism to strengthen pandemic response capabilities. In addition, the agreement highlights a holistic 'One Health' approach, which stresses the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, which is now a central focus of global pandemic strategies. The Minister said the agreement incorporates a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, requiring pharmaceutical companies to contribute 20% of production during pandemics in exchange for access to critical pathogen data. This mechanism aims to ensure that all nations benefit from scientific advancements, especially in times of crisis. 'As an active participant and representative member for the African region, I can say with certainty that we see this agreement as a crucial step towards rectifying the deep-seated imbalances in access to life-saving pandemic products that were so painfully exposed during the recent crisis.' Although Aaron Motsoaledi has acknowledged the agreement's adoption as a significant success, there is still much work ahead. 'While we celebrate the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, our work is far from over. We are now entering a critical new phase.' He urged immediate engagement in further discussions regarding the PABS system, to convene the Intergovernmental Working Group before 15 July 2025. 'Finalising a robust and equitable PABS annex is the ultimate litmus test of our collective commitment. It is the essential next step to transform the Pandemic Agreement from a document of principles into a functional, life-saving tool for justice and our shared global health security.' He has since called for continued collaboration and commitment to safeguarding global health for everyone. This important week-long meeting began this morning and will conclude on Friday, 13 June 2025. The event brings together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world's largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Health minister updates on new Covid-19 variant and SA's readiness
Health minister updates on new Covid-19 variant and SA's readiness South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia. This is according to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20, currently underway in Johannesburg. Motsoaledi said the World Health Organisation has designated this 'a variant under monitoring' due to its growing presence. India is the latest country to experience a surge in new Covid-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant. According to the Independent, infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and China. In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week. 'I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,' Motsoaledi explained. South Africa is currently experiencing a seasonal rise in influenza, but the country is well prepared to manage the situation, he said. 'Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.' Motsoaledi said government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell. 'These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.' Meanwhile, he called on the attendees of the meeting to work together with 'renewed urgency and unwavering resolve'. 'Let us build a future where solidarity, equity, and co-operation are the cornerstones of our global health architecture.' The week-long Health Working Group meeting began today and will conclude on Friday. It brings together health leaders, experts and policymakers from the world's largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations. The plenary sessions will build on lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and address ongoing barriers to accessing countermeasures, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There will be a focus on prioritising the expansion of local and regional manufacturing capacity, especially in regions like Africa. Delegates will also explore opportunities for technology transfer, sustainable financing, and regulatory alignment to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools during health emergencies. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
