South African cabinet approves HIV and AIDS upscale
11/03/2010
The South African cabinet has approved a plan to increase HIV and AIDS prevention in the country.
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the land's health minister, proposed the move and it carries on from a pledge to step up the government's coalition with stakeholders in the state's National AIDS Council, made by president Jacob Zuma last year, the nation's Times newspaper reports.
Government spokesman Themba Maseko announced the approval of the measure, saying: "More emphasis will be placed on prevention through information, education [and] widespread distribution of condoms."
It is hoped the implementation will help fulfil the targets set by the National Strategic Plan - which aims to reduce infection rate by 50 per cent over the next 12 months - plus to make sure at least 80 per cent of those needing antiretroviral treatment receive it in that period, the news provider added.
Earlier in the week, it was reported that the UK was to donate £1 million to the country, for it to purchase condoms in preparation for the football World Cup.
Written by Simon Bassett
