(PMTCT) to start early next year
1 December 2007
Dual therapy for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV should be
implemented from the beginning of next year, Health Minister Dr Manto
Tshabalala-Msimang said at the World AIDS Day event in Mokopane, Limpopo
today.
Tshabalala-Msimang said the treatment guidelines for dual therapy has been
developed and was being considered for endorsement by all the MECs as the
provinces will be responsible for implementation.
"The implementation of the new treatment guidelines is going to be phased in
taking into consideration expansion of training of health professionals on the
new protocol and mobilisation of additional resources for procurement of the
additional stock of drugs," said Tshabalala-Msimang.
She said the current treatment protocol which uses single drug nevirapine
(mono-therapy) has been of concern because of its limited effect and drug
resistance associated with it.
"To try and address this challenge, the Department of Health initiated a
process of consultation with experts and stakeholders in this area which has
led to the development of draft treatment guidelines on using dual therapy for
PMTCT. The draft guidelines have been considered through the policy formulation
processes of the Department of Health which includes consultation with all
provincial Health Departments. They are now being considered for endorsement by
the National Health Council," said Tshabalala-Msimang.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 012 312 0763
Fax: 012 325 5526
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by Department of Health
1 December 2007
Source: Department of Health (http://www.doh.gov.za)
