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) - September 30, 2003
It said Dr Anthony MBewu (SUBS: CORRECT), the leader of a task team that drew up the plan, presented the document to the minister and nine health MECs in Pretoria.
"I will study the report in detail for the purpose of submission to Cabinet," Tshabalala-Msimang said.
Tshabalala-Msimang established the team last month soon after Cabinet instructed her to formulate an operational plan for comprehensive HIV/Aids care and treatment.
They drew up the operational plan with the help of staff of the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation of the United States. The drafting included visits to all nine provinces to assess provincial plans and preparedness.
"The process has gone smoothly," MBewu told Sapa.
Earlier this month, Ira Magaziner, chairman of the Clinton Foundation's Aids initiative, told reporters that if Cabinet approved the plan, it would be possible to introduce it almost immediately. That did not mean all people in need of antiretrovirals would get them straight away though, he added.
The plan would outline the roll-out week by week, Magaziner said.
The New National Party called on the government to expedite the further consideration of the plan and to deal with it as a matter of urgency.
"Every day without antiretroviral treatment means loss of more lives," NNP spokesman on health Dr Kobus Gous said.
"We congratulate the task team for completing its task within the deadline as set by Cabinet."
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