The government is closely monitoring the current HMPV outbreak in China, which has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses and overwhelmed hospitals.

Motsoaledi made these remarks during a visit to the flooded General Del Rey Hospital in the North West province. He emphasised the importance of being proactive in mitigating the spread of HMPV to SA.

"There is a team that has been working for the whole year in Geneva, Switzerland. That team is called an inter-governmental negotiating body. It is chaired by somebody who was our director general of health in the country and they are negotiating what must happen if a new pandemic comes. You remember during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rich nations wanted to take the vaccines for themselves and leave the poor ones out so that negotiation is going on, it's only that it was delayed. Don't think we are just folding our arms and waiting. These issues were also debated at the United Nations where I was in September," Motsoaledi stated.

The Health Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Inter-Governmental Negotiating Body, chaired by a former Director General of Health from SA, to establish protocols for future pandemics. He recalled the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where wealthier nations prioritised their vaccine supplies, leaving poorer countries at a disadvantage.

Motsoaledi assured the public that the government is not complacent and is actively engaged in international discussions to ensure equitable access to resources in the event of a new pandemic.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--