The Lady of Peace Community Foundation (LOPECO) has taken a significant step towards strengthening health security systems across South Africa by announcing its Epidemic Preparedness funding petition.
This initiative aims to advocate for a dedicated budget line that would enhance the necessary infrastructure and resources pivotal in responding to public health emergencies.
In light of the ongoing challenges posed by health crises, LOPECO revealed that their petition is designed to ensure communities are well-equipped to manage future outbreaks effectively.
This call to action comes after the recent introduction of Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response as the 10th pillar of the Department of Health’s 2024 annual performance plan, with a vision to establish Public Health Emergency Operating Centres in all provinces.
However, the foundation reveals a concerning fact from this plan which indicates that no budget has been allocated for this crucial pillar in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, exposing a critical funding gap that could hinder the nation’s ability to respond effectively to health emergencies.
The national health budget for 2024/2025 stands at R840 billion, of which R1bn is earmarked for the implementation of National Health Insurance.
This further raises questions about the feasibility of introducing additional budget lines focused on pandemic preparedness, particularly given Gauteng’s unique context.
Gauteng, the smallest province by area yet home to approximately 16 million people, is a vital economic hub.
Due to its dense population and urban nature, the province is often the source of significant health outbreaks. In this light, prioritising epidemic preparedness in Gauteng becomes not just necessary but imperative.
The province’s health budget for 2024/2025 amounts to R64 837 043 000, which includes allocations for promoting public health literacy.
“We are seeking dynamic civil society organisations (CSOs), health professionals, community leaders, and advocates to collaborate on this impactful campaign that advocates for the inclusion of epidemic preparedness in Gauteng’s provincial budget,” stated Dieketseng Diale, executive director at LOPECO.
This campaign invites various stakeholders to rally around a unified cause that resonates deeply with current public health needs.
With the Covid-19 pandemic accentuating the urgent need for robust health security systems, LOPECO’s initiative arrives at a crucial juncture.
Amid Health Awareness Month, the foundation, which has pioneered innovative peace-building initiatives during the pandemic, emphasises that the formation of an Epidemic Preparedness budget line is essential for ensuring Gauteng is ready to combat future health crises effectively.
Diale further articulates LOPECO’s mission, asserting: “We strive to create sustainable solutions that address the pressing challenges faced by communities. We remain committed to fostering peace, social justice, and empowerment with an intensified focus on integrating health security into sustainable development initiatives.”
As public awareness and advocacy heighten, it is time for Gauteng to prioritise its epidemic preparedness, ensuring that no community is left vulnerable during future health emergencies.
The Star