Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - November 2, 2004
TAC deputy national chairwoman Sipho Mthathi said on Tuesday the department has led the public to believe that it had compiled a document setting out targets and timetables for the roll-out.
This would have been in the form of an annexure to the government's Comprehensive Plan for the Management, Care and Treatment of HIV and Aids, adopted by the Cabinet last November.
But the TAC has been trying to get hold of the annexure since February, to no avail, Mthathi said. It wanted to use the document to measure the government's progress.
When the government was not forthcoming, the group lodged an application under the Access to Information Act in the Pretoria High Court in July, which the department indicated in August it would oppose.
The TAC would now seek punitive costs from the department for allegedly obstructing its efforts to get hold of the document.
"They wasted our time as well as human lives by not explaining what was going on. They need to answer to the public and give the people information," Mthathi said.
The matter is to be heard in the Pretoria High Court.
The health department said in a statement that the document being sought was never adopted by the Cabinet and was therefore not an official government document.
"However, the TAC insists that the department uses taxpayers' money to compensate the organisation for legal costs incurred," it said.
"It is regrettable that the limited resources earmarked for improving the health of all South Africans, including people living with HIV and Aids, have to be spent on resolving this matter in the high court."
Mthathi said that if it was true that the department had not adopted a roll-out timetable and targets, the TAC would seek to ensure that it did. It would be prepared to go to court again.
The department said it was proud of progress made in putting the roll-out plan in place, despite various challenges. Condom distribution has increased, and campaigns to encourage abstinence and faithfulness were in full swing.
Regarding treatment, 50 of the 53 earmarked districts countrywide had at least one service point, the department said.
A total of 102 health facilities were providing services aimed at mitigating the impact of HIV/Aids, including antiretroviral therapy.
"The department remains committed to implementing this plan aimed at curbing the spread of HIV infection and to strengthen the health system to ensure that quality health care is provided to all those who are infected and affected by HIV and Aids," the department said.
041102
SA041106
Copyright © 2004 - 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 2004. 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, 2004. 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. .