Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has urged traditional healers to patent traditional medicines and protect indigenous knowledge, while also encouraging an increase in research and development of such medicines.

A fall in Aids infection rates among pregnant South African women is a positive, albeit preliminary, sign of success in combating the epidemic in the country, says Kaiser Family Foundation chief executive Drew Altman.

South Africa is re-launching the Khomanani HIV/Aids awareness campaign, which means "Caring together", with the health department this time putting more emphasis on treatment, care and support.

South Africa had almost doubled the number of people receiving anti-retroviral therapy from the public health sector between March and December 2006, and now provides treatment for more than 239 000 people.

South Africa's Department of Health has received an award from the World Health Organisation for implementing vaccine vial monitors, aimed at reducing vaccine wastage and improving access to immunisation.