Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - May 14, 2002
On the recommendation of the World Health Organisation a combination of drugs would be used to prevent HIV infection.
"If one drug is used people develop resistance quickly."
Ramagkopa said the provincial government would roll out the programme before the end of the year and authorities were establishing which institutions could provide the drugs immediately.
"This procedure will provide resources and training in designated institutions," she told members of the Gauteng legislature.
The MEC was unable to say which drugs would be used. "We are still checking the cost of the drugs."
She added that rape survivors would undergo counselling before being placed on the 28-day treatment programme.
At the opening of the legislature earlier this year, Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa said he had requested Ramokgopa and the health department to consult with the SA Medical Research Council and other specialists to develop a framework for the use of post rape exposure prophylaxis in public health institutions in the province.
Cabinet also announced in April that the South African government will endeavour to provide a comprehensive package of care for victims, including counselling, testing for HIV and pregnancy in cases of sexual assault.
On the issue of HIV/Aids, Ramokgopa emphasised that focus should be on prevention and that citizens should practise safe sex.
"Infected people should be positive about life and the government has provided materials on promoting healthy eating for the patients."
The Democratic Alliance welcomed Ramokgopa's announcement saying the move could save many lives.
"It is essential that we move as quickly as possible as many lives could be saved by anti-retrovirals given to rape survivors within 72 hours of the rape." The DA estimated that as many as 5000 HIV/Aids cases could be prevented in this way annually in Gauteng.
"Every month's delay means about 400 lives placed unnecessarily in danger, said DA health spokesman Jack Bloom.
"I am concerned that the drugs will only be available at limited sites. The excuse that more research is needed is far too cautious in my view and ignores the success of South African programmes like Sunninghill Hospital and in the Western Cape."
The MECs announcement does not cover the case of doctors outside designated sites who wished to prescribe anti-retrovirals in a rape case, he said. "I challenge the Gauteng health department to allow all state doctors access to anti-retroviral drugs for use in rape cases."
Bloom insisted that the department should trust doctors to use their discretion whether to advise patients of this option, even if counselling and other facilities were not yet ideal.
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