The Health Department plans to reduce the rate of new HIV/Aids infections by 50% by the year 2011, acting health minister Jeff Radebe said on Friday.
”To achieve this, we need to intensify the implementation of prevention interventions aimed at changing behaviour and reduce sexual transmission,” Radebe said.
He was briefing the media following a meeting of the National Health Council in Sandton.
Radebe and provincial health ministers had met to discuss a draft national strategic plan for HIV/Aids.
He did not elaborate on how the department will carry out its plan, but admitted that changing people’s behaviour is a challenge.
”We also intend to provide an appropriate package of treatment, care and support services to at least 80% of people living with HIV and their families by 2011.”
He said infected and affected families will be provided with counselling, nutritional support and antiretroviral therapy.
The draft of the strategic plan will be presented during a conference to be held in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, on March 14 and 15.
Carrying out the plan is expected to cost between R23-billion and R25-billion. — Sapa