National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) Free State
3 February 2009
The Free State Department of Health (FSDoH) herewith acknowledges the
content of the memorandum received from NAPWA Free State yesterday in
Bloemfontein.
The Free State Department of Health in a statement issued on 14 November
2008, indicated that due to financial constraints it is not in a position to
admit new patients on the antiretroviral (ARV) program and the status quo thus
remains.
By the end of December 2008, 33 179 patients were on the programme. This
includes the patients admitted in October 2008 as well as pregnant mothers and
children. The moratorium on admissions came into effect in November 2008.
The seriousness with which this is viewed is demonstrated in the request by
the department for additional assistance from United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) in the form of drugs (ARVs) to the value of
R17,8 million. These drugs are provided to the existing clients on the
programme. It must be emphasised that the drugs are not enough to keep those on
treatment and start new patients. Clients already on treatment, pregnant women
and children have been prioritised.
The department is in constant communication with all relevant role-players
to keep them abreast of the situation. Prospective patients are still going
through the preparatory processes and are admitted to the waiting list.
Enquiries:
Elke de Witt
Cell: 083 561 6517
Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
3 February 2009
