Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang used the opportunity of a parliamentary media briefing to again urge journalists to spread her message that Aids sufferers should use olive oil, lemon and garlic to boost their immune systems.

She said it was sad the media had chosen to ridicule her on this issue rather than convey her message to the people of South Africa.

"It is very sad how the media handles this issue. I think garlic is absolutely critical. Lemon is absolutely critical to boost the immune system. Olive oil is absolutely critical... just one teaspoon, it will last the whole month," she said.

The health minister also said there were only 2 000 doctors in South Africa capable of administering antiretroviral drugs to HIV-positive patients.

One of the biggest problems facing government in implementing its antiretroviral roll-out programme was that out of South Africa's 20 000 doctors, only 2 000 knew how to administer anti-retrovirals.

"Only 2 000 doctors in the country are actually able to manage HIV/Aids".

Tshabalala-Msimang denied government had said 54 sites administering antiretrovirals would be running by the end of this month.

In November last year, government announced a HIV and Aids treatment plan to provide at least one antiretroviral service point in each of the country's health districts within a year.

A longer-term aim is to give all South Africans requiring treatment access to the programme in their local municipal area within five years.

However, Tshabalala-Msimang on Monday told journalists that government did not say the programme would be "full blown" by the end of February.

"We will announce a date when we are ready".

The department had to plan carefully so that the programme did not "fall flat on its face", she said. – Sapa.