Speaker, the ANC-led government is confident that through collective action we will be able to achieve the target we set to reduce the rate of new HIV infections by 50% and expand access to appropriate treatment, care and support to 80% of all HIV-positive people by 2011. As such, a new international report released on Wednesday, 30 September 2009, by the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children's Fund and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and Aids has indicated that South Africa's HIV and Aids programmes are starting to show major signs of advancement in the area of antiretroviral treatment.
The report said one of the most notable achievements was that the number of patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, ART, has almost doubled between 2007 and 2008. It is further noted that the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, PMTCT, services were available to over 50% of those in need.
The ANC-led government is encouraged by recent progress made and will continue to strengthen the nationwide partnership against HIV and Aids and expand access to a comprehensive programme of treatment and care in public health facilities. I thank you.