Issued by Ministry of Health
12 November 2006
Under the leadership of the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the Department of Health is intensifying its efforts to ensure that everyone progressively realises the right of access to all the elements of the Comprehensive Plan for Management, Care and Treatment of HIV and AIDS.
In this regard, the office of the Minister of Health can announce that the number of people initiated on antiretroviral therapy through the Comprehensive Plan on HIV and AIDS has increased to 235 378 by the end of September 2006.
The number of health facilities where antiretroviral therapy can be accessed has also increased to 273. The number of service points is being increased in line with the goal of providing quality treatment, care and support to all qualifying HIV positive patients in an equitable manner.
The increase in the number of people initiated on treatment and the number of service points endorses the view that South Africa has the fastest growing antiretroviral programme in the world. This treatment is provided freely to those who qualify and would like to access it.
The Ministry is also encouraged by the outcomes of the first South African HIV and AIDS Communication Survey for 2006 released last week. The survey indicated that various HIV communication campaigns, including that of government - Khomanani - are having a significant impact in modifying sexual behaviour.
The outcomes of this survey come at an opportune time as the Department of Health is in the process of finalizing the revised Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and STI for the period 2007 - 2011 which will be unveiled during the World AIDS Day (December 01).
The revised Strategic Plan will guide the country's response to HIV, AIDS and STI in a manner that ensures continuity of the current strategies while introducing additional interventions required to keep up with recent advances in knowledge.
A multi million tender for service providers for the Khomanani campaign has been advertised in the Tender Bulletin and interested suppliers have until December 01 to submit their bids.
Contact
Sibani Mngadi
Spokesperson for the Health Minister, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
0827720161