News24 reports that the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has withdrawn its statement that Covid-19 vaccines could possibly have an impact on women's reproductive health.

In a statement on Thursday night, the commission said it "erroneously quoted an article published in a medical journal which alleges possible negative consequences of vaccination on women's sexual and reproductive health". On 16 January, the commission had released an earlier statement, which quoted the medical journal article. Earlier this week, the Department of Health (DOH) and other vaccinology experts called on the CGE to withdraw its statement. The DOH disputed the claims made by the CGE, saying they did not consider all available evidence and the substantial benefit associated with vaccinating women of reproductive age and pregnant women. CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi indicated in Thursday’s statement: "We further regret that it led to unnecessary distraction of public attention away from our common fight against the Covid-19 pandemic." To rectify the recent misinformation, the CGE said it would coordinate various education drives, in collaboration with health and medical experts.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Mthethwa at News24

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