SA clear of new COVID variant, WHO stresses vigilance
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in South Africa, Dr. Shenaaz El-Halabi, says while the country has not detected any cases of the new COVID-19 variant spreading in Asia and Europe, ongoing vigilance remains essential.
El-Halabi spoke to Jacaranda FM News on the sidelines of the G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg.
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.
El-Halabi said South Africa has robust surveillance systems but warned that circumstances can change rapidly.
"As the Honourable Minister [of Health Aaron Motsoaledi] mentioned, we have infrastructure in place to monitor and track potential health threats,” said El-Halabi.
"While there is no major concern at the moment, that can change at any time, which is why a proper surveillance system is critical.”
She added that the WHO continues to support member states in strengthening surveillance systems and public health responses.
"We always encourage basic public health measures, staying home when unwell, wearing masks where appropriate, and minimising transmission. These are practices we will continue to promote and raise awareness about.”
El-Halabi emphasised that preparation is non-negotiable.
"The reality is, it’s not a question of whether another pandemic will happen, it’s a matter of when.
"That’s why today’s discussions and the pandemic agreement are so important for improving surveillance, coordination, and diagnostics.”
She said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the deep inequalities in access to diagnostics, vaccines, and treatment, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
"We’re saying: never again. Countries must be better prepared to respond quickly when the next pandemic strikes.”
"We now need to domesticate and decolonise the pandemic agreement. Addressing the PEPs annexe is critical, and countries must be supported to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future health emergencies.”
She said the WHO’s focus includes equitable access to pathogen information, regional manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Deputy Director-General of Health, Dr. Anban Pillay, said the country is monitoring the new COVID-19 variant, named Nimbus, which has been detected in Asia and parts of Europe.
"We monitor COVID-19 variants weekly, and the latest variant is not currently dominant in South Africa. It accounts for about 3% of respiratory viruses,” said Pillay.
"It’s been stable at that level for some time. If further measures are needed, we’ll act, but at this stage, there’s no cause for panic.”
Pillay said South Africa and the global health system are far better prepared than during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"There’s now a much stronger global system to monitor viral and bacterial threats. South Africa is better prepared, and so are many of the countries at the table.”
"No country can respond to pandemics alone. We need to share information, resources, and capabilities.”
"There was strong support from G20 member states to work together, and not a single country disagreed.”
He added that the G20 can help advance the pandemic agreement even without binding legislation.
"Many actions in the agreement can be implemented voluntarily at the national level.”
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