South Africa's govt sets aside 900 million rand for antiretroviral programs

The South African Treasury has made significant additions to the government's budget for HIV/ AIDS programs in anticipation of meeting its target of providing treatment to 80% of those in need by 2011, says the nation's Business Day.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan yesterday announced an extra 900 million ($120.6 million) for providing AIDS drugs in state health facilities for the rest of this fiscal year. The money will help meet the 1 billion rand shortfall acknowledged last month by Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.

Treatment is expected to exceed more than 300 000 new entrants a year. By the end of March next year, nearly 900 000 people will be receiving antiretroviral therapy, and about 80% of new HIV and AIDS cases will be entering treatment by 2011/2012.

The Department of Health has also introduced three new health vaccines and plans a mass vaccination campaign to reduce the incidence of measles.
A new occupation-specific salary dispensation for medical workers, introduced in 2007, is to be phased in over a three-year period. The salary scale will help the public sector attract and retain skilled professionals.