Issued by: Government Communications
12 May 1999
The Department of Health acknowledges the initiative by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to assist the designated countries in Southern Africa in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The "Secure the Future" Programme which seeks to address the needs of women, children and communities affected by the epidemic, aims to build capacity among health care workers, provide care and support for the communities and develop models for managing HIV/AIDS.
The South African government wishes to be an active partner in this effort. Government's endorsement is however conditional on the development of a mutually acceptable implementation plan for the South African component of the initiative.
ENQUIRIES: Dr JHO Pretoruis
CELL: 082-569-2534