Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - November 6, 2006
"Government wishes to clearly state that the work of the Ministry and the Department of Health has not been altered or taken over," said spokesperson Thabang Chiloane.
He said the intensity of the anti-HIV/Aids work needs to be increased and sharpened to ensure that "the ultimate loser in this battle" is the disease.
"The Presidency has been encouraged by the cooperation received from all stakeholders in the fight against HIV/Aids. This partnership has been moulded and driven by the Department of Health and other social cluster departments."
Chiloane urged South Africans to support the programme in order for the nation to achieve unity in saving more lives.
"South Africa needs to strengthen partnerships among government, business [and] the civil society in fighting the scourge of HIV and Aids."
The statement came amid weekend reports that Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Deputy Health Minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge had begun steering the HIV/Aids programme in a new direction since Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang fell ill last month.
Also, Aids lobbying bodies said there had been a noticeable shift in the government's attitude in the minister's absence.
But Mlambo-Ngcuka disputed these observations on Sunday, saying she was only doing her work.
"I'm doing my work as deputy president of the country, coordinating partnerships with all people working in this area, because we believe this great work can be done together," she said.
"The minister of health is sick and the deputy minister continues to do the work that all deputy ministers do, and I don't think you should try and make this so dramatic."
061106
SA061104
Copyright © 2006 - 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Always watch for outdated information.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 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .