City
Epaper

S.Africa's vax campaign faces challenge of anti-jab fake news

By IANS | Updated: August 25, 2021 13:25 IST

Johannesburg, Aug 25 South Africa has made "encouraging" progress in its inoculation campaign against Covid-19 but is facing ...

Open in App

Johannesburg, Aug 25 South Africa has made "encouraging" progress in its inoculation campaign against Covid-19 but is facing a challenge of fake news created by anti-vaxxers, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said.

The circulation of such news has increased and is "really our challenge", Phaahla said whilee updating Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Health on the vaccine acquisition and roll-out program at a virtual platform, reports Xinhua news agency.

The government needs to improve the ability to communicate better, he said.

After South Africa opened up its vaccination campaign to people aged 18-34 on August 20, more than 500,000 people in the age group got registered for vaccination.

South Africa aims to vaccinate at least 60 percent of the adult population by the end of the year and, if possible, 70 per cent, as it has to open the economy and social activities, said Phaahla, who reaffirmed that the country has stable supply of vaccines.

The country also has "adequate capacity" of human resources and physical infrastructure to administer vaccines, he added.

Till date, South Africa has administered over 11 million doses, with more than 5.14 million people fully vaccinated.

Since the onset of the pandemic early last year, South Africa has registered a total of 2,708,951 confirmed Covid cases and 79,953 deaths.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Tags: Parliament's portfolio committee on healthJoe phaahlaXinhuaSouth AfricaJohannesburg
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketTemba Bavuma Oval: School in South Africa Renames Cricket Ground After Proteas Captain (See Pics)

CricketSA vs NZ: New Zealand Defeat South Africa by 50 Runs, Set to Face India in Champions Trophy 2025 Final

CricketSA vs NZ, Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand Posts Highest-Ever Total in Tournament History with 362/6

CricketSouth Africa vs New Zealand, 2nd Semifinal: Kiwis Win Toss Opt To Bat First In Knockout Clash

CricketSA vs ENG, Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa Bowl Out England for 179 as Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder Shine

Politics Realted Stories

MaharashtraPower Struggle in Maharashtra? Gulabrao Deokar, Satish Patil Join Ajit Pawar’s NCP Amid Mahayuti Rift

Maharashtra'Unity Not Just for Elections': MNS Leader Sandeep Deshpande on Possible Thackeray Alliance

PoliticsMurshidabad Violence: Shehzad Poonawalla Slams Yusuf Pathan Over Tea Post, Says, “As Hindus Get Slaughtered…”

PoliticsTamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: BJP-AIADMK Join Hands, Palaniswami To Lead Alliance, Says Amit Shah

Politics‘No Injustice to Muslims’: Shiv Sena Leader Manisha Kayande Slams Opponents of Waqf Amendment Bill