German health minister in S/Africa to boost vaccine capacities

South Africa can rely on German aid in fighting the Coronavirus pandemic, assured German Health Minister Jens Spahn on Friday during a visit to Johannesburg.

Speaking to his South African counterpart, Zweli Mkhize, about the virus situation in that country, Spahn said that Germany is prepared to help South Africa built up the capacity to produce vaccines, which will require significant levels of technology transfer.

Eyeing calls for companies to forgo patent protection on vaccines, Spahn noted that such transfers work best between willing partners.

“Voluntary cooperation, because you are committed, is always more effective than being forced,’’ said Spahn. “We want to support you.’’

Germany and other European countries have opposed the talk of lifting patent protections, arguing that this would only discourage private companies from investing the resources needed to come up with something like a Coronavirus vaccine.

Besides, they argue, patents are not the reason countries like South Africa are struggling to get vaccines.

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Instead, the problem is supply bottlenecks that are keeping companies from receiving adequate amounts of critical materials needed to produce vaccines.

During a tour, Spahn got to view a Coronavirus test device, the construction of which was financed by Germany.

Later, in Pretoria, Spahn is supposed to speak about a partnership with France to help build up vaccine production capacity in Africa.

French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to attend.