In a decisive move to bolster the national “mass suppression” strategy against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed a major regulatory breakthrough. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has acted to expedite the importation of six million additional Dollvet vaccine doses to combat the ongoing outbreak.
Phased Procurement and Logistical Strategy
The scale of this procurement is being managed through a phased logistical approach. Following a Section 21 permit issued on Friday, 20 March, for an initial two million doses of the Dollvet vaccine, SAHPRA has confirmed that two additional permits for the remaining four million doses will also be issued. This phased acquisition in lots of two million is a logistical necessity in light of the current conflict in the Middle East.
This surge follows the successful arrival of 1.5 million Dollvet vaccines from Türkiye on 1 March 2026, which are already contributing to the national effort.
Expanding the National Vaccine Arsenal
The government’s strategy continues to leverage international partnerships to ensure a steady supply of high-quality vaccines. Minister Steenhuisen confirmed that five million doses of Biogénesis Bagó vaccines will also be on order soon. This follows the arrival of one million doses of the Biogénesis Bagó vaccine from Argentina last month.
Minister Steenhuisen emphasized that these acquisitions are made possible through a “united front” involving the private sector and regulatory bodies. “I want to recognise the vital role the private sector has played in navigating the complexities of vaccine acquisition and logistics,” the Minister stated. He further noted that the primary goal remains the protection of the national herd and the assurance of long-term food security.
A Responsive Regulatory Environment
The Department of Agriculture extended its sincere gratitude to SAHPRA for its responsiveness and understanding of the urgency regarding the FMD crisis. This regulatory speed is considered vital to ensuring these vaccines reach South Africa without delay. While the specific delivery schedule for the new millions of doses is still being finalized, the Department has committed to sharing the schedule as soon as it becomes available.