ARV judgement
25 July 2006
The Department of Correctional Services sees the decision of the high court
in Durban as a vindication of the position adopted on the judgment made on the
provision of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to offenders in Durban Westville
Correctional Centre.
We welcome the acknowledgement that significant progress was and continues
to be made regarding the provision of ARVs to offenders in Durban Westville in
line with the government's comprehensive AIDS treatment programme. The
Department strongly believes the government programme being followed is the
most rational and medically correct approach to addressing challenges of
HIV/AIDS.
The Department also believes that the matter is a medical issue which it
continues to deal with within a broader context of providing medical treatment
to offenders that is proportionate with the medical treatment ordinary law
abiding citizens can access.
The implementation of the anti HIV/AIDS strategy of the Department and
government in Durban Westville Correctional Centre, specifically the
comprehensive treatment programme will continue in line with the plan. This
information will be submitted as directed by the court on 14 August 2006.
Enquiries:
Luphumzo Kebeni
Cell: 082 453 2244
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
25 July 2006
