MEDIUM TERM BUDGET 2003-06
SA budgets R12bn to fight Aids
13 November 2003
The South African government will spend a massive R12-billion to combat HIV/Aids over the next three years - almost four times the amount set aside for the previous three years - as the Cabinet prepares to approve a plan to roll out antiretroviral drugs in the public health sector.
Presenting his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in Cape Town on Wednesday, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said total expenditure on HIV/Aids - including spending by provincial health departments - would exceed R3-billion by 2004, R4-billion by 2005/06 and R4.8-billion by 2006/7.
Manuel told Parliament that as the costs of anti-Aids drugs came down and the country's capacity for providing antiretrovirals in the public health sector improved, the ability to treat an even larger group of people was possible.
It is anticipated that between 2003 and 2010, the provision of antiretroviral drugs will save the lives of more than 1.7 million South Africans.
Cabinet, meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday, received a detailed report on the operational plan for the comprehensive treatment of people living with HIV/Aids in the country. A joint sitting of the Cabinet's social and economic committees discussed the report in preparation for a Cabinet meeting next week.
The joint committee congratulated the task team set up to develop the plan and to identify the steps required to enhance the government's treatment programme - in particular, the steps required to introduce antiretroviral drugs in the public health sector.
Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang appointed the task team in August, after Cabinet requested it to develop an operational plan as a matter of urgency.
The 14-member team was assisted by a team of experts from the Clinton Foundation Aids Initiative, established by former US President Bill Clinton and led by Ira Magaziner.
Source: BuaNews
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