Reaching consensus on HIV and AIDS

7 August 2003

The success of the first national AIDS conference held in Durban this week is a major step forward in our response to the spread of HIV and reducing the impact of AIDS in our society.

The conference brought to the fore the negative effects of poor communication amongst the parties involved in this response. It highlighted the need for continuous direct interaction between government and various stakeholders with a common purpose of intensifying our efforts against this major challenge. It is our collective duty to work together and share information for the benefit of our country.

Among the issues that were discussed were:

• The relationship between various stakeholders, including the government, NGOs, business, scientists etc, working in the area of HIV and AIDS. It became clear from the deliberations among these stakeholders that there is a pressing need to engage constructively to ensure that the country's response to the challenge of HIV and AIDS is a success.
• The discussion on the decision of the Medicines Control Council to request additional information with regard to the efficacy of nevirapine in reducing mother-to-child-transmission of HIV demonstrated our collective determination to have an effective PMTCT programme. We all acknowledge the independence and responsibility of the MCC in regulating medicines in the country and therefore, we need to ensure that this matter is finalised without any undue pressure.
• Interventions needed to prolong life of those already infected. The conference heard that nutrition is one of the integral parts of the government's strategy to combat HIV and AIDS and promote good health in general. Good nutrition and nutritional supplements can prolong progression from HIV infection to full-blown AIDS and also serves as a critical foundation and requirement for effectiveness of other medical interventions.
• The area that has been of equal concern to government and civil society remains our ability as a country to provide anti-retroviral drugs for people with AIDS. The discussion on whether we can appropriately provide anti-retroviral therapy in the public health sector has created unnecessary animosity and undermined possibilities for extended joint efforts in many other areas of our response.

Anti-retroviral drugs can help improve the conditions of people living with AIDS when administered at certain stages in the progression of the condition, in accordance with international standards. The international standards include appropriate health infrastructure, capacity to safely administer and monitor the effects of the drugs and good patient compliance with treatment regimen. Appropriate support systems and a caring environment is critical for the success of such a programme and our Constitution dictates that public health services should be accessible to all.

In executing its responsibility to consider all the necessary requirements for an effective programme, Government set up the Health/Treasury Task Team to investigate various options for enhanced HIV and AIDS related treatment. I am confident that as Cabinet processes the report of this Task Team, necessary consideration will be made of the amount of work and resources needed to strengthen the overall capacity of the public health sector.

Whatever approach Cabinet takes on this matter, as the Ministry and the Department of Health we will ensure that the package of services as determined by Cabinet is effectively rendered to those who are infected and affected.

HIV and AIDS is a major challenge facing all of us and it requires all parties to work together in a common purpose of a healthier South Africa for all. We all agree that we need to:

• Curb the spread of HIV infection
• Provide treatment, care and support for those infected and affected
• Ensure that in spite of the magnitude of the problem, human rights are respected
• Continue with our research and surveillance to improve our understanding and ability to respond to the challenge before us.

At the end of the conference, the general spirit among delegates from all sectors was that the challenge of HIV and AIDS is one that can only be addressed through collective work, honest and open discussions as well as empathy for people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. As government, we will continue to go the extra mile to ensure that all South Africans have access to health care and that they lead healthy and prosperous lives.

Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang
Minister of Health

Contact: Sibani Mngadi @ 0827720161