Motsoaledi: SA keeping tabs on new COVID-19 variant
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant linked to rising cases in parts of Asia.
Motsoaledi spoke at the 4th G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Health leaders from the world’s largest economies are gathering to reflect on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss ways to ensure fair access to vaccines.
The new variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, has now been detected in over 22 countries, including regions of Asia, Europe, the U.S., and Australia.
The World Health Organization has designated it a Variant Under Monitoring due to its growing global presence.
"I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place," Motsoaledi said.
"Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases manages a comprehensive Sentinel Surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV.
"Currently, our data shows very low SARS-CoV-2 activity. While we are observing a seasonal increase in influenza, we are well prepared to manage this."
Motsoaledi stressed that the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage.
"This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remain effective," he said.
"Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public. We continue to advocate for maintaining good hygiene practices, such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when unwell. These simple measures help reduce the spread of all respiratory illnesses.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes."
Motsoaledi also confirmed that the pandemic agreement was adopted with overwhelming support from 124 member states, marking a clear global consensus on the need for a new path forward.
"The resolution adopted by the 78th World Health Assembly is of paramount importance as it represents the formal, political culmination of the entire INB process," he said.
"This was not merely a procedural step; it was a watershed moment that transformed the pandemic agreement from a negotiated text into a globally endorsed international health instrument."
According to Motsoaledi, the resolution represents a collective commitment from member states, giving the agreement the mandate and political legitimacy to strengthen global cooperation on pandemic preparedness and response.
"It stands as the definitive global consensus to learn from the devastating lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and formally anchors the agreement within the constitutional framework of the WHO," he said.
This move triggers critical next steps, including vital negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annexe.
"As an active participant and representative for the African region, I can say with certainty that we see this agreement as a crucial step towards rectifying the deep-seated imbalances in access to life-saving pandemic products, imbalances that were so painfully exposed during the recent crisis," Motsoaledi said.
