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MEDIA STATEMENT: MEETING BETWEEN THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL (SANAC) AND THE TREATMENT ACTION CAMPAIGN (TAC)
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) today, 14 June
2003, met with the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in Pretoria.
There was a frank and open discussion of a wide range of issues including the Nedlac process, TAC civil disobedience campaign, and provision of anti-retroviral drugs in the public sector. It was recognised that there was substantial common ground between TAC and SANAC on key areas in the national response to HIV/AIDS, within the framework of the Five Year Strategic Plan.
It was agreed that where there are gaps particularly relating to operational issues there should be further engagement between the SANAC secretariat and TAC on these matters. The request by the National Association of People Living with AIDS (Napwa) to be part of this engagement was accepted.
Regarding the introduction of ARVs in the public sector, it was noted that government is at an advanced stage of dealing with the Task Team Report on the Expanded Response to HIV/AIDS with a view to making a decision as soon as possible.
It was also noted that the work of the Nedlac HIV/AIDS Task Team is continuing and should be completed as soon as possible.
There was agreement on a sense of urgency in resolving these matters.
Enquiries: Lakela Kaunda 082 782 2575
Issued by the Deputy President on behalf of the SANAC/TAC meeting, 14 June 2003
Source: SAPA