21 July 2000
Government welcomes the statement by Judge Edwin Cameron who last night apologised for accusing government at the recent AIDS Conference in Durban for failing to manage the AIDS epidemic in the country.
Government's position has been to engage with all those who have a constructive contribution to make to deal with the pandemic in South Africa. Negotiations with pharmaceutical companies for access to cheaper drugs and on going discussions with scientists and researchers involved in the development of a vaccine are part of government's efforts towards treatment and combating of the disease.
The primary goals of government's 5 Year Plan on HIV/AIDS are to reduce the number of new HIV infections (especially among youth); and, reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families and communities.
In this regard the plan stresses an effective and culturally appropriate information, education and communications (IEC) strategy, increase access and acceptability to voluntary HIV testing and counselling; improved STD management and promote increased condom use to reduce STD and HIV transmission; and improve the care and treatment of HIV positive persons and persons living with AIDS to promote a better quality of life and limit the need for hospital care.
Compiled by:
Dr N Simelela
Chief Director: HIV/AIDS and STDs
Tel: (012) 3120121
Issued by Government Communications (GCIS), Pretoria for the Department of Health.