'Stop and Think about AIDS for a Minute'
November 26, 2008
The quality of healthcare in the private sector is also needed in the public sector, according to Health Minister Barbara Hogan.
"I also wish to acknowledge those working in the public sector.
"I also wish to acknowledge those working in the public sector.
"We hear you, and the conditions you are working under," she said at the Zuzimpilo Medical Centre for HIV and Aids and related diseases in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
A new facility was opened in the centre, which is funded by the US President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar).
"Zuzimpilo is an extraordinary initiative. We require full force from all frontiers."
She said South Africa rolled out more antiretrovirals (ARVs) than any other country in the world.
"We have had some teething problems in the Free State when the distribution of ARVs was shut down recently.
"Officials were immediately sent to the province to ensure that processes were able to continue."
"Officials were immediately sent to the province to ensure that processes were able to continue."
On the recent cholera outbreak, Hogan said the health department was doing everything it could to prevent the spread of the disease. It was setting up more re-hydration centres at the Beitbridge border near Musina.
"We are also engaging with health organisations in Zimbabwe, and the World Health Organisation.
"But the problem is mainly in Zimbabwe."
"But the problem is mainly in Zimbabwe."
Before being clad in traditional garb by staff members at the clinic, Hogan called on South Africans to stop for 15 minutes on World Aids Day on Monday.
"Think about personally committing yourself to fighting Aids, and honour those who have passed on due to the disease.
"We must not forget, and we must renew our commitment," she said. - Sapa
· This article was originally published in The Star on Wednesday 26 November 2008.