Issued by: Department of Health
10 April 1997
Pretoria - The Minister of Health, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, returns from a 9 day visit to Australia and Switzerland.
In Australia the Minister met with the federal government of Australia and various officials from different states, viz, South Australia, New South Wales and Canberra.
In Geneva the Minister attended a 3 day UNAIDS board meeting where she was unanimously appointed chairperson of the board for 1997.
AUSTRALIA
Dr. Zuma spent six days in Australia at the invitation of the Australian Government, to acquaint herself with the Australian health system and to give an opportunity of exploring areas of co-operation between the two countries.
She met representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health organisations who briefed her on programmes undertaken by the Aboriginal community country wide, including their difficulties, hopes and aspirations in improving their conditions. She also met the Deputy Premier and the Minister of Health and Aboriginal Affairs, Dr. Andrew Refshauge, who gave the Australian government's perspective in relation to the Aboriginal community.
Dr. Zuma attended a presentation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and was given an overview of how the service benefitted rural communities and assisted in emergencies.
She was introduced to Telemedicine technology and how it facilitates research and professional exchange of information between two or more institutions.
She visited the University of South Australia and held discussions with the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor and members of staff on how the university was co-operating with the University of Hare in the Eastern Cape.
The Minister had discussions with the Governor of South Australia, Sir Eric Neal on government interventions in improving the lives of ordinary people. In Canberra, she met the Minister of Health and Family Services. Dr. Michael Woodridge, who gave her a comprehensive briefing on the Australian Health System, its evolution, development and problems. The two Ministers jointly explored the possibilities of future co-operation.
In Sydney, the Minister met the Chairman of the Australian Health International, Dr Don Grimes who provided her with information on New South Wales capabilities and expertise in the development of health care services and institutional strengthening for future collaboration.
She was also taken on a tour of the New Children's hospital, a state of the art instruction in Westmead, Sydney, The last leg of her visit included the National Centre for HIV and Epidemiology and Clinical Research in Sydney and later toured the St Vincent's Hospital HIV/AIDS ward and had discussions with clinicians.
The Minister was given a donation of 500 intra-ocular lenses for cataract patients by the Fred Hollows Foundation.
SWITZERLAND
On 5 April Dr Zuma left for Switzerland to attend the 3rd Programme Co-ordinating Board Meeting of UNAIDS at the World Health Organisation Headquarters in Geneva. At the start of the Board Meeting on 7 April, Dr Zuma who had been the Deputy Chairperson of UNAIDS, was unanimously elected as its Chairperson.
The Board Meeting looked at the report of the UNAIDS secretariat and was satisfied with their work. Their work plans and budget for the next biennial were approved.
The Board Meeting expressed concern about the price of drugs for HIV/AIDS. The treatment for HIV/AIDS is still not available in many developing countries, where the burden of disease is greatest.