response
6 April 2006
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, has called for a
positive projection of the work done by South African communities and
government to address the challenge of HIV and AIDS at the next month's United
Nations (UN) Special Session on HIV and AIDS.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang was speaking at a two-day symposium on HIV and
AIDS organised by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg today.
The symposium is attended by representatives of governments and civil
society organisations from at least 10 southern African countries where the Red
Cross is operating. "There is no doubt that much progress has been made in
addressing the challenge of HIV and AIDS in our country. There are indeed
challenges, which we have all acknowledged, and are seeking ways to address
them.
"As we make presentation to the United Nations next month, we need to share
our best practices with the world and learn from the experiences of fellow UN
member states. We need to ensure appropriate projection of the work done by
many South Africans and their government in curbing the spread of HIV infection
and reducing the impact of AIDS," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
South Africa has participated actively in the global discussions to review
progress made in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Minister Tshabalala-Msimang
has been a member of the Global Steering Committee convened by Joint United
Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) since the beginning of the year to
identify challenges and seek measures to achieve universal access.
"We worked hard as a country to broaden the definition of universal access
to encompass prevention, care and treatment as critical elements of a response
to HIV and AIDS. I am glad that this comprehensive approach, which has been
championed by South African government for many years, is beginning to gain
broader support," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
During the last review of the global response to HIV and AIDS, the UN
Secretary General Kofi Annan commended South Africa for a substantial increase
in budgetary allocation for AIDS in his report on the progress made in
implementing the Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS adopted by the UN
member states in 2001.
HIV and AIDS budget allocation channelled through the Health Department
increased from R264 million in 2001 to R1.5 billion in 2005. There is also an
additional R3.2 billion allocated for procurement of antiretroviral drugs over
a three-year period ending in 2007.
The investment in the health system through infrastructural upgrades, the
improvement in commodity stock management, information management systems, the
improved human resources management and capacity development, the strengthening
of laboratory services and referral system is being increased
significantly.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang also appealed for more partnerships between
government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in addressing the
challenge of HIV and AIDS and expressed government's commitment to provide
financial and technical support to NGOs that provide TB and AIDS related
services.
"The Department of Health in particular has increased the budget allocated
for support of NGOs involved in the response to AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) from
R49 million in 2005/06 financial year to R56 million in 2006/07," said Minister
Tshabalala-Msimang.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
6 April 2006
