/ 28 February 2007

Manto’s condition improving, says spokesperson

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang remains in the high-care unit at Johannesburg Hospital, where her condition is improving, her spokesperson said on Wednesday.

”Her doctor indicated that she is getting better,” said Sibani Mngadi.

”However, she remains in the high-care unit of the hospital in order to facilitate appropriate haemodynamic monitoring.”

On Wednesday the National Association of People Living with HIV and Aids (Napwa) and members of the public held a prayer session for Tshabalala-Msimang on an open space at the hospital entrance.

”She looked much better when I visited her this morning and we had a chat about the Napwa initiative,” said Mngadi.

The minister had ”highly appreciated” the support from Napwa, he said.

There was no indication of when Tshabalala-Msimang would be released from the high-care ward, where she is receiving treatment for anaemia and residual pleural effusion.

The minister’s family had requested no visitors so that she could have ”sufficient time to rest”, Mngadi said. — Sapa