Issued by Ministry of Health
6 April 2006
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has called for a positive projection of the work done by South African communities and government to address the challenge of HIV and AIDS at the next month’s United Nations Special Session on HIV and AIDS.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang was speaking at a two-day symposium on HIV and AIDS organised by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg today.
The symposium is attended by representatives of governments and civil society organisations from at least 10 southern African countries where the Red Cross is operating.
“There is no doubt that much progress has been made in addressing the challenge of HIV and AIDS in our country. There are indeed challenges which we have all acknowledged and are seeking ways to address them.
“As we make presentation to the United Nations next month, we need to share our best practices with the world and learn from the experiences of fellow UN member states. We need to ensure appropriate projection of the work done by many South Africans and their government in curbing the spread of HIV infection and reducing the impact of AIDS,” said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
South Africa has participated actively in the global discussions to review progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Minister Tshabalala-Msimang has been a member of the Global Steering Committee convened by UNAIDS since the beginning of the year to identify challenges and seek measures to achieve universal access.
“We worked hard as a country to broaden the definition of universal access to encompass prevention, care and treatment as critical elements of a response to HIV and AIDS. I am glad that this comprehensive approach, which has been championed by SA government for many years, is beginning to gain broader support,” said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
During the last review of the global response to HIV and AIDS, the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan commended South Africa for a substantial increase in budgetary allocation for AIDS in his report on the progress made in implementing the Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS adopted by the UN member states in 2001.
HIV and AIDS budget allocation channelled through the Health Department increased from R264 million in 2001 to R1.5 billion in 2005. There is also an additional R3.2 billion allocated for procurement of antiretroviral drugs over a three-year period ending in 2007.
The investment in the health system through infrastructural upgrades, the improvement in commodity stock management, information management systems, the improved human resources management and capacity development, the strengthening of laboratory services and referral system is being increased significantly.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang also appealed for more partnerships between government and non-governmental organisations in addressing the challenge of HIV and AIDS and expressed government’s commitment to provide financial and technical support to NGOs that provide TB and AIDS related services.
“The Department of Health in particular has increased the budget allocated for support of NGOs involved in the response to AIDS and TB from R49 million in 2005/2006 financial year to R56 million in 2006/2007,” said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Contact: Sibani Mngadi @ 0827720161