Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang says the ministry will provide the services to Aids sufferers that cabinet deems fit.
Cabinet is currently looking at a report on the cost of providing ant-iretrovirals to patients.
”Whatever approach cabinet takes on this matter, as the Ministry and the Department of Health we will ensure that the package of services as determined by cabinet is effectively rendered to those who are infected and affected.”
Tshabalala-Msimang said in a statement that the Aids conference, held in Durban this week, had brought to the fore the negative effects of poor communication.
”It highlighted the need for continuous interaction between the government and various stakeholders with a common purpose of intensifying our efforts against this major challenge,” she said.
The country’s ability to provide anti-retroviral drugs to Aids sufferers was important to government, she said.
”The discussion on whether we can appropriately provide anti-retroviral therapy in the public health sector has created unnecessary animosity and undermined possibilities for extended joint efforts in many other areas of our response.”
She agreed that anti-retroviral drugs could help improve the health of Aids sufferers at certain stages in the progression of the condition.
This had to be in accordance with international standards which included appropriate health infrastructure, the capacity to safely administer and monitor the effects of the drugs and good patient compliance with a treatment regimen.
Nutrition remained an integral part of government’s strategy to combat Aids and promote good health, she said.
”Good nutrition and nutritional supplements can prolong progression from HIV infection to full-blown Aids and also serves as a critical foundation and requirement for effectiveness of other medical interventions.” – Sapa