Petition to Prioritize Budget for Epidemic Preparedness in Gauteng Province

Introduction:
Together, as the Lady of Peace Community Foundation, The Wellness Collective, 16 Actors on EVAWG, and concerned citizens, we can ensure that Gauteng is ready to protect all communities and safeguard our health systems from future health emergencies.

The 2024 Department of Health annual performance plan introduced Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response as the 10th pillar of the Compact, to set up Public Health Emergency Operating Centres across all provinces. However, no budget has been allocated for this pillar in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, exposing a critical funding gap. The national health budget for 2024/2025 is R840 billion, with R 1 billion allocated for National Health Insurance implementation. This suggests the potential to add a budget line for pandemic preparedness.

Epidemic preparedness is crucial for Gauteng Province, which is the smallest by area but has the largest population of about 16 million. As the economic hub of South Africa, Gauteng is the source of many outbreaks. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the epidemic preparedness budget in Gauteng. The province's 2024/2025 health budget of R64,837,043,000 includes funds for strengthening public health literacy and promotion.

We urgently call on the Gauteng Provincial Government to prioritize epidemic preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent health crises have shown us the devastating consequences of underfunded public health systems. Lives were lost, healthcare workers overwhelmed, and our economy destabilized. Without a dedicated budget for epidemic preparedness, we will continue to face these challenges unprepared resulting in preventable deaths, crumbling healthcare systems, and further economic strain.

Objective:
We urge the Gauteng Provincial Government:

1. Allocate a specific budget line for epidemic preparedness in the upcoming provincial health budget.
2. Strengthen health infrastructure to ensure fast, effective responses to future outbreaks.

Why Epidemic Preparedness is Essential:

1. Lives Depend on It: Being unprepared means unnecessary deaths during future outbreaks.
2. Faster Response: With targeted funding, early detection and rapid response will limit the spread of diseases, saving lives and reducing economic costs.
3. Protecting Healthcare Workers: Our frontline workers need sustained funding for personal protective equipment (PPE), training, and medical supplies to respond effectively.
4. Economic Stability: Strong health systems prevent economic collapse by minimizing disruptions to businesses, schools, and daily life during an outbreak.

Call to Action:
We call on the Gauteng Provincial Government to:

1. Include a budget line specifically for epidemic preparedness in the next provincial health budget.
2. Direct funds toward training, protective equipment, and critical health infrastructure upgrades.
3. Invest in local surveillance systems to quickly identify and manage potential health threats.

How You Can Help:

1. Sign this petition and share it on social media.
2. Use the hashtags #FundEpidemicPreparednessSA, #PrepareforOutbreaksSA, and #PrEpidemics to amplify the message.
3. Contact your local representatives, urging them to support epidemic preparedness in the provincial budget.
4. Join LOPECO Foundation’s advocacy efforts and participate in community events that push for health system reforms.

Hashtags:
#FundEpidemicPreparednessSA #PrepareforOutbreaksSA #PrEpidemics

Together, as the Lady of Peace Community Foundation and concerned citizens, we can ensure that Gauteng is ready to protect its communities, save lives, and maintain economic stability during future health emergencies. Now is the time to act. Let’s safeguard our future by demanding a budget that prepares us for the next epidemic.