In 2003 the South African Cabinet approved the use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in the public sector and in early 2004 the programme started. Now in its fifth year, government often claims that it is the "largest treatment programme in the world".

Roll-out, what roll-out?

Article Staff Reporter - 18 Sep 2006

Recently, the minister of health, officials in the department of health and in the Government Communication and Information System, President Thabo Mbeki and Medical Research Council head Anthony Mbewu stated that South Africa has the "largest treatment programme in the world" and the "fastest roll-out on the planet". This is simply not the case.

Slow road to drugs roll-out

Article Fatima Hassan & Staff Reporter - 12 Jul 2004

In November 2003 the Cabinet approved a national plan for HIV/ Aids prevention, care and treatment. The plan estimated that 53 000 people would be placed on anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment by the end of March this year. Eight months on, fewer than 10 000 people with HIV/Aids are receiving anti-retrovirals through the public health system.

vital information

The Mail & Guardian’s essential coverage of the ongoing coronavirus crisis is free to read for everyone.

If you would like to support us, please consider taking out a subscription.

Latest

National

Sekhukhune’s five-year battle for water back in court

Sarah Smit - 8 Aug 2020

The residents of five villages are calling for the district municipal manager to be arrested

Coronavirus

Special Investigating Unit probes Covid-19 tenderpreneurs

Sarah Smit - 8 Aug 2020

The SIU is investigating 102 companies doing business with the provincial government in Gauteng alone

Coronavirus

Vaccine trial results due in December

Athandiwe Saba - 7 Aug 2020

If successful, it will then have to be manufactured and distributed

Press Releases

Special Reports

WiMSA shines a light on the future of women in mining

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Men in mining must begin to take it upon themselves to support the development of women in the industry

Special Reports

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure reveals second gender-based violence advocacy artwork

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

The men and boys of South Africa are important role players in this mission to ensure that women are respected, protected and treated equally

Special Reports

Empowering the voice of women in leadership to enable full participation in their roles in leadership and decision making

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Sibanye-Stillwater has 13% female representation in its workforce and is actively working to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Special Reports

Surviving the tobacco ban

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Nicotine is given as the ‘likely’ reason for lower Covid-19 infection rates but authorities still stress the health risk of smoking

Special Reports

Smokers hold thumbs for cigarette ban to be lifted

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

SATTA is worried about the impact of the ban on its own members activities and how the ban is helping black marketeers to make millions of rands illegally

Special Reports

Covid-19: Outlook on the economy, politics and labour

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

Old Mutual had experts unpack the effects of the pandemic and provide practical tips on how to deal with the financial impact of job losses and salary cuts

Special Reports

Opt-in to Popia

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

All business owners should take note: there is a lot of work ahead to ensure compliance with the POPI Act that has just come into effect

Special Reports

Capital Legacy talks life

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic is revealing how few people actually sort their affairs to the benefit of their loved ones they leave behind when they pass on