The North West Department of Health is to add 54221 people on antiretroviral treatment in the next six months. The department is currently providing ARVs to 122379 people.
The decision follows an announcement last month by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to initiate treatment for all those who test positive with a CD4 count of 350 or less.
A total of 1397 nurses have been trained to administer ARVs in an effort to speedup process of those who need to be put on treatment. An additional number of 500 nurses will also undergo training in the current financial year.
Accredited facilities to offer ARVs will also increase from 138 to 233 by March 2012. MEC Dr. Magome Masike has expressed his satisfaction in the rollout of ARVs in the province.
Policy changes that marked increased access to treatment, care and support to groups identified as critical in an effort to reduce morbidity and mortality were first made in 2009. The policy change covered pregnant women, people who are co-infected with HIV and TB with a CD4 count of 350 or less, and HIV exposed infants who test positive at birth.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail:Tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
