21 September 2006
The Ministry of Health welcomes the call for unity in the fight against HIV and AIDS expressed by almost every speaker during the special discussion on HIV and AIDS at the 9th National Congress of Cosatu in Midrand today.
All the speakers, with the exception of Treatment Action Campaign chairman Zackie Achmat, called for all stakeholders to work together to stop the spread of HIV infection and reduce the impact of AIDS.
The Congress steered clear of Achmat's call to have the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang removed from office and instead resolved that all role players should work together to implement a comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS.
The Ministry welcomes this resolution and is committed to working with all partners in strengthening the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Management, Care and Treatment of HIV and AIDS.
The Ministry also welcomes the emphasis that the Congress has put on prevention and the need to encourage voluntary counselling and testing.
The Ministry reiterates its position that nutrition is NOT an alternative to treatment. Nutrition is important in maintaining good health and it assists in prolonging progression from HIV infection to development of AIDS. Antiretroviral drugs can prolong lives of those with full blown AIDS and the Department of Health is making these drugs available in at least 231 health facilities in the country.
Under the leadership of the Minister of Health, the Department of Health will intensify its efforts to ensure that everyone progressively realises the right of access to all the elements of the Plan.
Sibani Mngadi (Spokesperson for the Minister of Health) @ 0827720161