[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

25 November 2004

The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy in accredited government facilities has increased from 11 250 at the end of August to 19 500 in October, Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said in her response to questions presented in parliament today.

The increase in the number of people on treatment is part of the steady progress that the Department of Health is making in implementing the Comprehensive Plan for Management, Care and Treatment of HIV and AIDS.

Treatment is already available in at least one facility in 50 of the 53 districts in the country. A total of 103 facilities have been accredited and are providing care and treatment for people with HIV and AIDS.

Three pharmacovigillance centres have been established to detect, assess and prevent adverse reaction to antiretroviral drugs. There is a centre at MEDUNSA which focuses on the use of antiretroviral drugs and traditional medicine amongst adolescent and adults with HIV and AIDS. The second centre is based at Free State University and deals with the use of antiretroviral drugs amongst pregnant women and infants. The University of Cape Town also serves as a reference centre for adverse reaction to all types of medicines registered in the country.

At least 67% of all public health clinics are providing Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services, which has increased the coverage rate. The number of people utilizing VCT services has increased from 412 696 in 2002/2003 to 690 537 in 2003/4.

The number of counsellors offering counselling services at the service points was over 10 000 at the end of March 2004. Rapid HIV test kits are widely available at the service points to ensure that people receive results immediately.

More than R9,4 million has been spent on communication and social mobilisation including newspaper, radio and billboard advertising and production of information and educational material to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.

Despite several challenges and constraints, the Department of Health is intensifying the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and access to treatment increasing gradually. We are strengthening the health system to ensure that quality health services are provided to all South Africans including people living with HIV and AIDS.

What is critical is that we should work together to create a supportive environment for people living with HIV and AIDS and to assist those who are on treatment to take their medication correctly.

As we build up towards the World AIDS Day next week (1 December), let us all show that we care.

Enquiries: Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161

Issued by: Department of Health
25 November 2004