Chairperson, the ANC has committed itself to reduce the rate of new HIV/Aids infections by 50%. This will be done through an aggressive prevention campaign and expanded access to appropriate treatment, care and support to at least 80% of all HIV positive people and their families.
In continuing with our commitment, the ANC government will provide a total of R900 million to accommodate a higher intake of antiretroviral treatment, with spending on HIV and Aids programmes increasing from R1,1 billion in 2005 to R4,4 billion this year. The intake 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 treatment. About 80% of new HIV/Aids cases will be entering treatment by the 2011-12 financial year.
The ANC will always provide more resources that will be devoted to strengthening and implementing the national plan on HIV and Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs. Thank you. [Applause.]