Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - August 9, 2003
The New National Party (NNP) said it was pleased the government had heeded the "almost universal call" for an operational roll-out plan for such treatment although this had taken a long time.
"What will be vital now is the implementation and sustainability of any such plan, and for this government will need help and we are willing to assist," NNP leader Marthinus van Schalkwyk said.
On Friday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the Cabinet instructed the department to develop the programme with the assistance of local experts and specialists from the Clinton Foundation aids initiative.
The GCIS said it was expected that the department's work would be completed by the end of September.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) on Saturday welcomed the government's decision, saying it was long overdue.
"The decision is correct, long overdue and we hope it will herald change in the public debate that has for too long been characterised by acrimony and discord," IFP health spokeswoman Ruth Rabinowitz said.
The Democratic Alliance said the announcement looked good on paper but the real test would be the manner in which it would be put into action.
"We will support any initiative to roll out antiretrovirals," DA spokesman Mike Waters said.
"We will keep a close eye on the roll out process, and we will fulfil a watchdog role to prevent any past mistakes from being repeated."
The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) applauded the announcement as a "historic gesture".
"We hope this will swiftly lead to the administration of antiretrovirals in the public sector to all those people living with HIV/Aids," Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said.
The labour federation pledged to do everything in its power to work with government, health professionals and civil society to carry out the decision.
"We do not underestimate the scale of the challenge we face, to treat the five million people who are currently infected, but believe that this is a national emergency requiring a concerted drive by all of us to defeat this epidemic," Craven said.
030809
SA030813
Copyright © 2003 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .