programme
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 finalising the revised Strategic Plan for HIV and
AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for the period 2007 to 2011
which will be unveiled during the World AIDS Day (1 December).
The revised Strategic Plan will guide the country's response to HIV, AIDS
and STIs in a manner that ensures continuity of the current strategies while
introducing additional interventions required keeping 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 1
December to submit their bids.
Enquiries: Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Ministry of Health
12 November 2006
