South Africa is closely monitoring a newly identified Covid-19 variant named Nimbus (scientifically designated NB.1.8.1), according to Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed the G20 Health Working Group on Tuesday. The variant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, is not currently seen as cause for alarm, with existing vaccines expected to offer continued protection.
“I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place,” said Motsoaledi. “Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV.”
While SARS-CoV-2 levels remain low in South Africa, a seasonal uptick in influenza has been reported. Nonetheless, the Department of Health maintains it is fully equipped to manage the situation.
Pandemic Agreement: A “Life-Saving Tool for Justice”
Beyond national concerns, Minister Motsoaledi used the opportunity to advocate for the swift implementation of the recently adopted World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement—a deal aimed at transforming global pandemic response infrastructure.
“We see this agreement as a crucial step towards rectifying the deep-seated imbalances in access to life-saving pandemic products,” he said. “Now is the time for elevated political will from all G20 members to overcome entrenched commercial and diplomatic hurdles.”
Adopted in May by the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, the WHO Pandemic Agreement lays the groundwork for equitable pandemic preparedness and response, especially for low- and middle-income countries. It includes core commitments such as:
- Equitable, timely, and affordable access to pandemic-related health products;
- A global supply chain and logistics network for essential resources;
- A coordinating financial mechanism to support health system capacity; and
- A “One Health” approach recognising the interlinkages between human, animal, and environmental health.
Spotlight on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System
The centrepiece of the agreement, as Motsoaledi described it, is the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system—a bold new initiative to ensure equitable exchange of pathogen data and medical countermeasures.
Under PABS, pharmaceutical companies would be required to contribute 20% of their pandemic-related production in exchange for early access to crucial pathogen data.
Motsoaledi stressed that while the agreement’s adoption is a milestone, its true impact lies in the implementation, especially in the upcoming negotiations to finalise the PABS annexure.
“This is a political test,” he said. “We must move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results. Let us work together with renewed urgency and unwavering resolve.”
The first meeting to elect the leadership for the intergovernmental working group on PABS is scheduled before 15 July. A balance between Global North and Global South leadership is expected.
U.S. Absence Raises Eyebrows as Ramaphosa Confirms Trump’s G20 Attendance
Motsoaledi’s remarks also arrive amid rising concern over waning U.S. involvement in global health governance. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has:
- Withdrawn from the World Health Organization;
- Scaled back foreign health aid, including Pepfar, a cornerstone of the global HIV/AIDS response;
- Skipped several G20 health-related meetings.
Despite this, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed in May that Trump has agreed to attend the upcoming G20 summit. It remains unclear whether the U.S. was represented at Tuesday’s Health Working Group meeting. The Department of Health has not yet responded to media inquiries on the matter.
A Critical Moment for Global Health Solidarity
With the spectre of new Covid-19 variants like Nimbus emerging and geopolitical rifts threatening global cooperation, Minister Motsoaledi’s plea for multilateralism couldn’t be more urgent.
“We are now entering a critical new phase. Let us seize this moment,” he said. “The world cannot afford another pandemic unprepared.”
