29 December 2021

KWAZULU-Natal Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane has urged those who have not been vaccinated against COVID - 19 to consider the impact of this on those close to them, who might be vulnerable to infection, and end up getting severely ill or even lose their lives.

The Province of KwaZulu-Natal has vaccinated just over 2, 751 million people since the process began in February, while more than 4,468 million are yet to get their jab. MEC Simelane has been criss-crossing the Province, promoting the massive health benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, while shooting down the numerous pervasive myths and misconceptions about the vaccine that have fuelled vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine sentiments.

Speaking during a community outreach programme in the Bilanyoni area of Dumbe, where she also distributed food parcels earlier today, MEC Simelane said: "Yes, getting vaccinated is extremely important. When you get a jab, you're not only doing it to save your life, but also to protect your loved ones. I wish those who have not been vaccinated could pause and reflect on this."

Accompanied by doctors, nurses and celebrity vaccine influencers, the MEC visited five local households, where 10 people were vaccinated in less that two hours.

"The intention is to go to communities, particularly townships and rural areas, to ensure that people vaccinate. As you've seen in KZN, the number of those who've been vaccinated is extremely low. We are worried about that as a Province. That is why we have decided to accelerate our Operation Siyagoma Waya Waya," she said.

MEC Simelane also made an appeal to the public to ignore the prevalent fake news about the vaccine, and only consume information from reputable and reliable news sources, which is based on science.

"Speaking to people directly, on the ground, about the vaccine is extremely effective. When you engage with them, some raise different concerns about the vaccine, and we've had to explain those. Once people get proper information, they become less hesitant and start responding positively, which is what we're seeing.

"Come the new year, we're going to continue with that throughout the province, together with Premier and the provincial executive council."

The MEC and her team also stopped over at the local Bilanyoni Primary School, which was the site of the #IsibhedlelaKubantu programme, which brings a variety of mobile healthcare services, including:

• Checking of blood pressure
• Testing for diabetes
• Audiology and Eye care services
• Physiotherapy and dental care services
• TB testing and screening
• Social workers and counselling
• MMC - Male Medical Circumcision
• Immunisation and well-being clinic for children under 5 years
• COVID-19 screening, testing and vaccination
• Women’s health: (maternal facilities; pap smears, breast examinations, family planning and safeir conception services)
• Doctors consultation, rehabilitation and referrals
• Hypertension, screening, testing and treatment
• Primary health care (HIV testing and counselling, treatment of minor ailments and chronic medication and referrals).