Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa’s Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, announced today that the country is closely tracking a newly emerging COVID-19 variant, dubbed Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, which is linked to a recent uptick in cases across parts of Asia. Minister Motsoaledi addressed the 4th G20 Health Working Group meeting, currently underway in Johannesburg, where global health leaders are convening to reflect on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and explore strategies for equitable vaccine access.1
The Nimbus variant has already been identified in over 22 countries, spanning regions including Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it a "Variant Under Monitoring" due to its expanding global presence.
Minister Motsoaledi reassured the international delegates that South Africa possesses robust surveillance capabilities. "South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place," he affirmed. "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."
He added that current data indicates very low SARS-CoV-2 activity within the country. While a seasonal increase in influenza is being observed, South Africa is well-prepared to manage the situation.
Motsoaledi further clarified that the Nimbus variant is a descendant of the Omicron lineage. "This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remain effective," he stated. Consequently, no new specific public health actions are currently deemed necessary for the public. The minister reiterated the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when unwell, to mitigate the spread of all respiratory illnesses. He committed to continued close monitoring of the situation and reporting any significant changes.2
In a separate but related development, Minister Motsoaledi confirmed the overwhelming adoption of the pandemic agreement by 124 member states, signaling a clear global consensus for a new approach to pandemic preparedness. He described the resolution adopted by the 78th World Health Assembly as a "watershed moment" that transformed the agreement from a negotiated text into a globally endorsed international health instrument.
According to Motsoaledi, this resolution signifies a collective commitment from member states, empowering the agreement with the mandate and political legitimacy to strengthen global cooperation on pandemic preparedness and response. He emphasized that it represents the "definitive global consensus to learn from the devastating lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and formally anchors the agreement within the constitutional framework of the WHO."
This crucial step initiates vital subsequent negotiations, including those concerning the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annexe.3 Motsoaledi concluded by stating that as an active participant and representative for the African region, he views this agreement as pivotal in "rectifying the deep-seated imbalances in access to life-saving pandemic products, imbalances that were so painfully exposed during the recent crisis."