The DA welcomes the announcement made yesterday by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, that an additional 2 million HIV-positive South Africans, with a CD4 count of 500, will be placed on Anti-Retroviral (ARV) treatment over the next 3 years.

This is a step in the right direction and is a commendable move by the Minister. There are however hospitals countrywide that are still plagued by mismanagement and constant stock-outs of essential medicines including ARVs, TB drugs and other vital vaccines. The rollout of additional ARVs will be compromised if hospital management is not brought up to acceptable standards.

The Department of Health has tabled in their budget an additional R1 billion for ARV roll out and this would see the budget expand for HIV/Aids to R13 billion.
 
We are pleased that this administration is taking active measures to decrease the number of HIV-positive South African’s and that the roll out of ARVs is prioritised.

The DA will continue to pressure the Department of Health to ensure that Primary Health Care facilities and hospitals are fully stocked and well managed.
 
The good intentions of the Minister must translate into better treatment for ordinary South Africans. This can only happen in a more functional health system with greater emphasis placed on prevention, surveillance and extending compliance.