Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - June 7, 2005
Of the proposed figure, at least 20 000 should be children, the TAC said in its electronic newsletter.
"Sufficient funds have been set aside for the rollout by Treasury, but the rollout's pace has been hampered by a lack of leadership by the Minister of Health [Manto Tshabalala-Msimang]. Her confusing public messages on Aids have undermined the programme," said the TAC.
Last year, more than 300 000 people died of HIV, and more were expected to die in 2005. The TAC estimates that five million people living with HIV need to start anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment immediately.
Recognising that good nutrition, support and care from family and friends, as well as treatment for opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis are important, the TAC said that without ARVs most people who developed Aids will die within two years after experiencing avoidable illnesses.
"With anti-retroviral treatment, the vast majority of people with Aids can resume normal lives ... The benefits of anti-retrovirals far outweigh the disadvantages."
The TAC said the government's operational plan for rolling out ARVs committed the state to treating about 50 000 people by the end of March 2004, an additional 135 000 by the end of March 2005 and another 215 000 by the end of March 2006.
Yet at the end of March 2005, only about 42 000 people were on treatment in the public sector, according to the Department of Health.
The TAC estimate that another 60 000 are being treated in the private sector.
"This is not good enough. If government had met its target, there almost would be 200 000 people on treatment already, and about 380 000 people would be on treatment by March 2006."
050607
SA050602
Copyright © 2005 - 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Always watch for outdated information.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 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .