Share

SANAC wants three million on ARV’s by 2015

accreditation
iStock

The SA National Aids Council (Sanac) said on Sunday it aims to have three million people receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment by 2015.

"Currently, there are 1.9 million people on treatment," Sanac spokeswoman Khopotso Bodibe said in a statement.

Another target for 2015 was the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and a reduction in the number of Aids-related maternal deaths, she said.

Bodibe said the rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission dropped from 8% to 2.7% between 2008 and 2012, and that 99% of mothers and infants at risk of HIV transmission were currently receiving ARV therapy.

TB still remains a challenge

"TB [tuberculosis] infection still remains a challenge," she said, adding that most people living with HIV, were also infected with TB.

"Sanac aims to reduce TB incidence and mortality caused by TB in people living with HIV by 50% in 2015."

A new national strategic plan for HIV, TB and sexually transmitted diseases was adopted at a Sanac meeting, chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, in Secunda, Mpumulanga, this week.

A simplified ARV medication was also recently launched in Ga-Rankuwa, north west of Pretoria.

On Sunday, Bodibe said not everyone would have immediate access to the new, single-dose treatment.

"Those who are already on treatment still need to continue with their combination treatment, as they have always taken it, until after July 2013," she said.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE