Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - September 7, 2003
Claire Keeton
The task team was appointed in August to develop a detailed plan to roll out antiretroviral treatment for the country.
Clinton Foundation experts, including Magaziner, are assisting the 16-member team.
Magaziner said the report would be ready by the September 30 deadline and the Cabinet had signalled that it would act on it swiftly.
"We think the programme could begin almost immediately after that. We are taking centres identified by the provinces and getting them ready.
"Some would take a short period, maybe a month or two, and gradually scale up." Task team chairman Dr Anthony Mbewu said it was clear that teaching hospitals were ready to provide the drugs, but it was not yet clear which other facilities had the capacity and staff.
Provincial plans for providing antiretroviral treatment will be presented to the team on Wednesday.
Mbewu identified the provincial resources and training group - one of nine working groups set up by the task team - as the most important.
Team members, accompanied by foundation advisers, have already visited eight provinces to assess at what level (from primary to tertiary) a roll-out will work.
Mbewu said: "There is a lot of enthusiasm in provinces from policymakers, health professionals and members of the public living with Aids." He said that trained staff were the major constraint on a massive roll-out.
"It is important to ensure that our budget is cost-effective and sustainable," he added.
The task team has also identified patient monitoring, research and adequate laboratory services as essential.
Mbewu said: "We need surveillance of the roll-out to investigate side-effects and toxicity . . . and to monitor viral resistance." Magaziner explained that side-effects could be treated but, if they were not, people could end up dying from them.
The task team's report is expected to map out operational plans for a 20%, 80% or 100% roll-out of treatment over the next five to 10 years.
Mbewu said it was impossible to set a strict time frame on how long it would take to scale up to a 100% roll-out.
030907
ST030903
Copyright © 2003 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, 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. .