​Qaqambile Mdledle
The Department of Health has welcomed the news that more than 100,000 healthcare workers in the country have been vaccinated for COVID-19 as part of the Sisonke vaccination programme. Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize said: "We are very encouraged to have reached a milestone of over 100,000 healthcare workers vaccinated". Last month, South Africa commenced with its vaccination program for healthcare workers under the Sisonke Study using the single dose Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine to assess the effectiveness of the shot before it can be administered to the general population.
The Department has thanked all the healthcare workers who have been vaccinated, saying this demonstrates their trust in medical science and confidence in the healthcare system.
The CEO of the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Professor Glenda Gray, and Professor Linda-Gail Bekker are leading the Sisonke Study.
Gray said it was fitting that exactly one year since the first COVID-19 case was recorded in South Africa, the Study had successfully vaccinated 100,180 patient-facing healthcare workers in the public and private sector.
"This happened because of our trusted partnerships and especially because of the healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly through this pandemic. Sisonke demonstrates true togetherness, for healthcare workers by healthcare workers," she said in a statement.
While the Department is happy with the progress, the fight against coronavirus continues and Dr Mkhize has urged South Africans to remain vigilant, wear their masks, practice social distancing and regular handwashing, and keep one another safe and healthy.
With over 21,000 healthcare workers vaccinated, Gauteng is leading with the highest number of jabs administered to date.