Motsoaledi: Damage wrought by COVID-19 still being felt
The Health Minister told a G20 gathering in KZN
on Wednesday that South Africa continues to feel the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic.
Aaron Motsoaledi gave the keynote speech on Wednesday morning at the Zimbali Estate as the province hosts the second Health Working Group Meeting under South Africa's G20 Presidency.
The three-day event is part of a series of countrywide G20 events before the leaders’ summit in Johannesburg later this year.
"The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with economic downturns and conflict, has disrupted essential health services and pushed millions further into poverty," said Motsoaledi.
"This regression across both indicators underscored the fragility of our health systems and the urgent need for renewed action."
Motsoaledi called on global health leaders to work together to reverse the damage wrought by the pandemic.
READ: Lockdown's legacy: South Africa, five years on
"This includes increased domestic resource mobilisation. We must advocate for greater allocation of national budgets to health," he added.
"Number two, debt relief and restructuring. We must explore mechanisms that allow countries to reallocate resources towards health.
"Number three, international partnerships and innovative financing to bridge the funding gap.
"Number four, efficiency and transparency. We must ensure that every dollar spent on health is used effectively."
The minister's comments come a day ahead of the five-year anniversary of the start of South Africa’s COVID lockdown.
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