World AIDS Day speech by Minister of Health

I greet you in the spirit of hope and unity that inspires millions of people in many countries across the globe to celebrate World AIDS Day each year.

Beneficial HIV/AIDS drug deal on the horizon

HIV/AIDS drugs are costing South Africa no more than drugs for serious asthma, complicated diabetes or hypertension. And prices will plummet even further, to around R100 monthly, if the government takes advantage of a deal negotiated recently by former United States president Bill Clinton.

Startling figures on HIV/AIDS in health sector

An estimated 15,7% of workers employed in the public and private health sectors in 2002 were infected with HIV/Aids. This startling finding is revealed in a national survey carried out by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in conjunction with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the National School of Public Health (NSPH) at Medunsa.

loveLife campaign to focus on the future

LoveLife's national HIV prevention programme for youth this week launched its 2004 billboard campaign, and gone are the sexually provocative billboards of some of its previous campaigns.

Anti-AIDS drugs to be made available to rape survivors

Rape survivors will soon receive life-saving anti-retrovirals from the state. In an apparent about-turn, the Justice Department has finally agreed to write into law a clause giving rape survivors certainty that they will have access to anti-retrovirals from state clinics within 72 hours of the attack.

Breast-feeding is the superior feeding method

Breast milk is superior to any other way of feeding infants. It is valuable for the sustained health of babies to be breastfed for at least six months and even beyond the age of two. Partial artificial feeding can have a negative effect.

Patients may choose

Government’s HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Plan is not only about making antiretrovirals available in the public health sector for the first time. The programme also includes a strong focus on nutrition and traditional medicines. Health-e News Service asked Dr Nono Simelela, co-ordinator of the Plan, how the three components come together in the programme.

Spending on HIV/AIDS to triple in three years

Government spending on fighting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis is set to almost triple over the next three years to R12,3-billion.

Budget boost for HIV/AIDS spending

South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel announced on Wednesday that a further R2.1 billion (US $305 million) will be allocated to fighting HIV/AIDS over the next three years.

Manuel gives health a dose of curative cash

HIV-positive Mbulelo Mangqu is living in hope following Finance Minister Trevor Manuel's budgetary allocation to health and the fight against HIV/AIDS.