HIV Programme
31 July 2007
The National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and Sexually Transmitted
Infection for 2007 to 2011, adopted by Cabinet earlier this year, has made room
for the introduction of dual therapy for reduced mother to child-transmission
of HIV.
Furthermore, the move from single dose nevirapine to dual therapy
(nevirapine and AZT) has been discussed by the National Health Council (NHC)
which is made up of the Minister and MECs for Health.
The discussions centred on the recommendations of the Medical Research
Council (MRC), National Essential Drugs Committee and the Medicines Control
Council (MCC) to move to dual therapy.
The NHC took a decision to evaluate the use of Nevarapine in reducing mother
to child transmission of HIV. The NHC also deliberated on implications for
implementation including training and capacity of health workers, adherence
counselling and support to women.
Further work is being done to improve guidelines and facilitate appropriate
training for health workers, stock management, monitoring of resistance and
information management for the introduction of such a therapy.
Contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
31 July 2007
