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) - August 20, 2002
"We have not changed our position, and neither has the Department of Health," Sama chairman Dr Kgosi Letlape said in a statement on Tuesday, a day after he met Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang in Pretoria.
"But both parties are committed to further dialogue, and we will continue urging the department to review its stance."
An HIV/Aids treatment policy that included the provision of antiretroviral drugs was essential in slowing down the impact of the epidemic on the South African population.
"Unfortunately time is not on our side," Letlape added.
"We would like to see the implementation of pilot projects for HIV/Aids treatment in all provinces as a matter of urgency, and will pursue all possibilities towards facilitating treatment through collaborative efforts with other organisations."
Letlape said removing the stigma attached to HIV/Aids was the country's main challenge. Many people who had access to antiretroviral drugs were not taking them.
"The government's policy of not providing (the drugs) to patients in the public health sector does not help in removing the stigma."
Following a recent court ruling, all pregnant HIV-positive women should have access to antiretroviral drugs to reduce the chances of their children becoming infected.
A few months ago, the government also decided to provide antiretroviral drugs to rape victims, but this policy has not yet come into effect.
Other HIV/Aids sufferers had no access to such drugs in public hospitals or clinics.
The Health Department was not available for comment.
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