Issued by: Government Communication and Information System
On 31 August, Bristol Myers Squib (BMS) and the Government of South Africa announced a partnership to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa. In the 'Secure the Future Programme', BMS will provide US $100 million over five years to assist South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland to find sustainable solutions for women, children and communities to effectively address HIV/AIDS.
BMS has agreed to join the South Africa Partnership against AIDS and will collaborate with the Department of Health in achieving the goals of the "Secure the Future Programme". The programme aims to prevent HIV transmission; reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS by supporting community based care and support programs; and support public health policy initiatives to expand access to HIV/AIDS related treatment.
The guiding principles of this program include a public/private partnership as embodied by the Government Partnership against AIDS; compatibility to local health priorities, and capacity building.
Components of the programme will include a community outreach and education fund, a fellowship program in community based public health, and capacity building programme to provide training of health workers in practical HIV/AIDS management, and HIV/AIDS care and support.
The governance structure of the programme includes a Secretariat consisting of officials from the Department of Health and Bristol Myers Squibb. An Advisory Committee, consisting of local and international scientists, academics, members representing the community as well as representatives from all five countries. An Advisory Board jointly appointed by Bristol Myers and the South African government will be the final body that oversees programme implementation in the country.
In announcing this partnership Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said "HIV infection and AIDS is an enormous problem facing South Africa. I look forward to working with Bristol Myers Squibb within the South Africa Partnership Against AIDS in developing solutions to address this epidemic".
For more information on this programme please contact: Dr N. Simelela, Directorate HIV/AIDS and STD's, Department of Health (012) 312-0121
Issued by the Government Communication and Information System
Pretoria,
1 September 1999