Aids treatment could double

Last updated: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 Print

Additional funding over the next three years could double the number of people on treatment for HIV/Aids, according to the Budget tabled on Wednesday.

The fight against multi- and extreme-drug-resistant tuberculosis will also be given priority.

In its Budget Review, tabled on Wednesday, the National Treasury said spending on dedicated HIV/Aids programmes by health, education and social development departments would top R6.5 billion a year by 2010/11.

Current spending is just over R2.2 billion.

The review said an extra R2.1 billion had been committed over the next three years to the provincial conditional grant for fighting the disease.

This would be used to expand the comprehensive treatment programme already being offered at 316 sites.

500 000 more to be treated
"Additional funding should allow 500 000 more people access to treatment in addition to the 418 000 already on treatment, as well as increasing the numbers of people tested, and expanding a range of prevention programmes," it said.

It said the TB funding would support extended hospitalisation and treatment.

"The funds will cover construction of new units and additional costs of hospitalisation, medicines and laboratory services."

Drug-resistant TB, often accompanied by HIV/Aids infection, has become an increasing problem in South Africa.

Patients are routinely held in isolation units while they are being treated. – (Sapa)

February 2008