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10 September 2007

The newly constituted South African National AIDS Council held its first full meeting in Pretoria today. The meeting was chaired by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and attended by six Ministers and two Deputy Ministers (i.e. Education Minister Naledi Pandor, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Public Works Minister Thoko Didiza, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe, Social Development Deputy Minister Jean Swanson-Jacobs and Correctional Services Deputy Minister Loretta Jacobus).

Also in attendance were representatives from civil society who constitute the various sectors of South African National AIDS Council (Sanac). The representative of legal and human rights sector, Mark Heywood was selected by civil society and confirmed by the meeting as the Deputy Chairperson of Sanac.

The meeting received reports on the sectoral activities that form part of the multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS and the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and STI for 2007 to 2011.

Sanac was also briefed on at least major policy issues that require further developments and engagement. These issues are:

* further improvement of the 'Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission' of HIV through introduction of more efficacious regimens
* role of male circumcision as one of the tools in the prevention of HIV taking cognisance of the World Health Organisation Afro Regional Committee position in this regard
* strategies to increase uptake of HIV testing
* efforts to improve treatment to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy of Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) regimen and the limitation of treatment initiation to medical officers.

The meeting noted efforts being made to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS on the public service, education, correctional services and social services. Furthermore the meeting also noted the responses of business, children, disability, higher education, labour, non-governmental organisations.

While some departments and sectors had already developed implementation plans and programmes, these programmes were, however, still at a draft stage. On the overall, the meeting noted that much work has been done and there will be need to consolidate the reports and integrate programmes amongst government departments and various sectors into a comprehensive work plan with clear timelines and responsibilities for sectors and government departments.

The meeting emphasised the need for all sectors to send their most senior representatives at the level of chair/presidents to the high-level meeting of Sanac to maintain the high level of commitment demonstrated at the launch of Sanac.

This meeting highlighted the collective effort made by all present to vigorously implement the agreed upon comprehensive HIV and AIDS plan in a constructive manner that will take the country forward.

Contact:
Thabang Chiloane
Cell: 082 888 8783

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
10 September 2007