HIV does cause Aids, says govt

Cape Town - The SA government's programme to fight HIV/Aids "is based on the belief that HIV does cause Aids", government spokesperson Themba Maseko said at a post cabinet briefing on Thursday.

His statement follows years of what he described as "political bickering" over the Aids issue, I-Net Bridge reported. He noted that government aimed to resolve communication problems over the implementation of the government's programme through the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee (IMC) to "improve co-ordination and communication" to ensure that the programme targets - including the rollout of antiretrovirals - were reached.

Maseko's comments follow years of controversy stemming from President Thabo Mbeki's unorthodox views on the link between HIV/Aids and his health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's emphasis on nutrition as a means to fight the syndrome.

Cabinet announced steps on Thursday to drive the comprehensive plan to fight HIV/Aids, but remains adamant in its support for embattled the Tshabalala-Msimang, reported Sapa.

HIV/Aids pandemic not just a health issue

Maseko said deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka - as chair of the SA National Aids Council (Sanac) - had been mandated to take concrete steps to strengthen the council.

Sanac was the embodiment of the national partnership against HIV/Aids, he said.

After noting that the HIV/Aids pandemic was not just a health issue, but a government-wide challenge, cabinet decided to establish an inter-ministerial committee to strengthen the implementation of the comprehensive HIV/Aids programme.

It would also improve co-ordination and communication, and monitor implementation.

'Pandemic requires that we act together'

The committee would consist of Sanac ministers, including the ministries of health, education, social development, the presidency, and provincial and local government.

Maseko repeated government's stance that cabinet was not responsible for Tshabalala-Msimang's appointment or dismissal, adding that the fight against HIV/Aids was bigger than any one minister.

Cabinet had re-affirmed its commitment to fighting the pandemic in partnership with all sectors of society, and resolved that concrete steps were necessary to strengthen joint co-operation and action among the various stakeholders.

"The nature of this pandemic requires that we act together and spread a message of hope and unity to all South Africans," he said.