In July 2021, it was reported that people without identity documents did not qualify for the vaccination drive as the Electronic Data System (EVDS) could only register those with a South African ID or refugee documentation. However, there is now a plan in motion to vaccinate undocumented people to prevent further infections.
According to Ground Up, in August the National Department of Health (NDoH) committed to an October deadline to amend the EVDS process with an aim to accommodate people without documentation.
Also read: Vooma vaccination weekend kicks off in the Western Cape
Mahlaule said the government should vaccinate undocumented immigrants for the health of the community. “We shop at same stores, our children play and go to schools with children of these migrants, and as a community, this [being left out] will be a challenge to us.”
Many homeless people or immigrants with no identity document or asylum papers should be vaccinated to reduce the spread of COVID- 19. The first vaccination drive in Cape Town took place at The Hope Exchange, an NGO that provides key services to vulnerable and street-based people.
Good Things Guy, mentioned further that homeless people and immigrants who wish to be vaccinated are advised to reach out to their local health office.
Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for the national department, said that the vaccination of undocumented and homeless citizens has been approved and coordinated from the provincial level in Cape Town, Durban, and Tshwane. “This is part of our commitment that no one will be left out of the vaccination programme. Other provinces will soon follow once all logistics have been finalised because this involves consultation and collaboration with several stakeholders.”
These efforts are described as pilot projects according to Mohale, but it could not be confirmed as to how many homeless people have been vaccinated countrywide.
He further added that identifying key communities with many undocumented people can be a challenge, but said it “is easier to coordinate vaccination services for those who are in shelters and closed camps.”
Also read:
52 destinations now open to South African travellers with some restrictions
Picture: Unsplash
