Religious, traditional leaders asked to debunk vaccine myths

THE national Health Department is ready to roll out the second phase of the mass Covid-19 vaccination campaign. It wants South Africans to register on April 16 when the electronic vaccination data system (EVDS) opens.

Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize, applauded and expressed his gratitude to religious and traditional leaders for the role they have played and sacrifices they had made which has saved many lives during the pandemic.

He appealed further for their support of the vaccination programme and to help spread correct information and debunk myths.

While the first phase of vaccinations is still under way, Mkhize said the second would begin on May 17 with the third phases scheduled to begin on October 17.

He said the second phase would prioritise the elderly over the age of 65, workers over 40 and those in congregated settings such as old-age homes and prisons.

“We believe that you as religious and traditional leaders have the ability to support us which will help to navigate through a complex programme.”

Mkhize said the country had about 3 000 vaccination sites but a list would be finalised in the next few weeks.

“We want to vaccinate up to 250 000 people a day and that can only happen when we have enough vaccines in late quarter two and early quarter three. ”

Khosi Tukani, who is also a religious leader, said the lack of electronic devices required to register on the EVDS in remote and rural arrears would hinder the programme.

But Dr Aquina Thulare, a technical adviser to the health department, explained that the elderly who had no technology to register would be assisted at vaccination sites.

She said there would be mechanisms to support those without the necessary connection.