SA HIV/Aids cooperation pledged

By Peter Biles
BBC, Johannesburg

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang denies being sidelined

The South African government and civil society groups have pledged to work more closely together in the fight against HIV/Aids.

In the past, the government has been heavily criticised for sending out a confused message on the best way to combat the pandemic.

But the deputy president, who chairs the National Aids Council, says there is a renewed spirit of partnership.

More than five million people in South Africa are infected with the virus.

Under the leadership of Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the lead agency - the South African National Aids Council - has undergone restructuring.

"No-one wants government policy to change. We just want better co-ordination. That's what we're doing," she said.

The representatives of civil society who have been taking part in the process, now say they are all delighted with the government's commitment to fight HIV/Aids.

Sipho Mthathi from the Treatment Action Campaign lobby group, says there is a very big change happening.

"Because we have asked, and have been dying for greater political leadership in addressing the epidemic. We're beginning to see that," she said.

In recent years, President Thabo Mbeki's government has come under fire for its policy on Aids.

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has regularly emphasised nutrition - and the need for garlic, beetroot and potatoes, rather than the importance of anti-retroviral drugs.