The chance of SA getting a significant volume of the vaccine in the next few months is “improbable”, said Wits University, professor of vaccinology Shabir Madhi. “The most highly optimistic projection is that we’d be fortunate to get any by the end of the second quarter next year.”The other problem is that the vaccine needs to be kept at -70°C, and SA has very few specialised facilities able to achieve such a low temperature. “You won’t be able to just pitch up at a pharmacy or clinic for a shot,” said Madhi. “To set up more storage facilities of that nature would take a huge amount of time and expense.

ALSO, A POWER CUT COULD BE DISASTROUS. “IT IS SO SENSITIVE THAT EVEN IF YOU HAD A SHORT POWER OUTAGE WITHOUT ADEQUATE BACK-UP, YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE STORED VACCINES.”

Lack of leading shedding over the past 10 months was NOT because of “ amazing ESKOM management, but because of a depressed economy and lack of demand for electricity47 % of small businesses closed their doors!Our hopes will be pinned on Aspen Pharmacare our homegrown South African mega pharmaceutical giant.In Africa, our greatest weapon is our age and our resilience and experience in fighting infectious diseases.So what are some of the reasons for Africa’s relatively low death rate?

1: QUICK ACTION

So, right from the beginning, most African governments took drastic measures to try and slow the spread of the virus.

YOUNG POPULATION – AND FEW OLD-AGE HOMES

Average of an African is 19 years! Not COVID 19! that’s correct 19 years”We have in Africa] about 3% of the population aged over 65 years,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Africa headOlder people in Africa more likely to live in rural areas away from the hot spots of infection.Furthermore, an underdeveloped transport system within and between countries appears to have been a blessing in disguise. It means that Africans do not travel as much as people do in more developed economies, minimising contact.

FAVOURABLE CLIMATE

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland in the US found a correlation between temperature, humidity and latitude, and the spread of Covid-19.There could be several reasons for this:

• The relatively young population – more than 60% are under the age of 25
• Experience in epidemic control from tackling other diseases
• Cross-immunity from other coronaviruses
• Low rates of travel and more outdoor living might also help.

This quote in the Washington Post 3 days ago:

South Africa’s second coronavirus wave is fueled by a new strain, teen ‘rage festivals.’

For the next 8 weeks, we all need to return to our vigilant behaviour of the first weeks of lockdown!