04 March 2002
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, met with the former President, Mr Nelson Mandela, this morning at the request of the former President.
The Minister briefed Mr Mandela on the government's response to HIV/AIDS, including issues of treatment. Issues raised at the meeting were generally the same as those that Mr Mandela had discussed and agreed with the ANC officials a few weeks ago.
Mr Mandela was satisfied with the briefing by the Minister, the correctness of the government's position and its current efforts in dealing with AIDS. He fully supported the government's AIDS plan. Both the Minister and Mr Mandela reached an understanding that Mr Mandela's proposals will be treated as such until the ANC National Executive Committee meets on the 15 - 17th March. His proposals will also be considered during Cabinet's discussions on the matter.
Mr Mandela requested the Minister of Health to brief him regularly about developments in the area of HIV and AIDS. The Minister also briefed Mr Mandela about meetings she had with the ANC Youth League and the ANC Women's League over the past weekend. Both Leagues supported the Ministry of Health in its response to AIDS and especially the national reduction of Mother-To-Child-Transmission programme.
The Minister reiterated that the policy of government with regards to HIV and AIDS still stands and that this policy will only be reviewed, if necessary, by the appropriate policy structures such as the ANC National Executive Committee and Cabinet.
Issued by the Ministry of Health