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More on ARV therapy - Manto
25/11/2004 20:05 - (SA)
Cape Town - The number of people on antiretroviral therapy in accredited government facilities increased from 11 250 at the end of August to 19 500 in October, said Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang on Thursday.
She said the increase in the number on treatment was part of the steady progress her department was making in implementing the comprehensive plan for management, care, and treatment of HIV/Aids.
She said: "Treatment is already available in at least one facility in 50 of the 53 districts in the country.
"A total of 103 facilities have been accredited and are providing care and treatment for people with HIV/Aids."
Three "pharmacovigillance" centres had been established to detect, assess, and prevent adverse reaction to antiretroviral drugs.
Universities are part of the plan
A centre at the Medical University of SA focused on the use of antiretroviral drugs and traditional medicine among adolescent and adults with HIV/Aids.
A second centre based at Free State University dealt with the use of antiretroviral drugs among pregnant women and infants.
Tshabalala-Msimang said the University of Cape Town also served as a reference centre for adverse reaction to all types of medicines registered in the country.
At least 67% of all public-health clinics were providing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services, which had increased the coverage rate.
The number of people using VCT services had increased from 412 696 in 2002/'03 to 690 537 in 2003/'04.
The number of counsellors offering their services at the service points was more than 10 000 at the end of March 2004.
Rapid HIV test kits were widely available at the service points to ensure people received results immediately.
Strengthening the health system
Tshabalala-Msimang said more than R9.4m had been spent on communication and social mobilisation, including newspaper and radio.
They also used billboard advertising and production of information and educational material to support the implementation of the comprehensive plan.
Despite several challenges and constraints, the health department was intensifying the implementation, and access to treatment was increasing gradually.
"We are strengthening the health system to ensure quality health services are provided to all South Africans, including those living with HIV/Aids."
Tshabalala-Msimang said: "What is critical is that we should work together to create a supportive environment for people living with HIV/Aids, and to assist those who are on treatment to take their medication correctly."
- SAPA
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