Data compiled by the Western Cape Health Department's HIV and Aids Directorate indicate high adherence rates to anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in the province. Results show that 9 745 (93%) of the 10 515 patients on ART in December 2004 remained on therapy by the end of June 2005.

In welcoming the figures, Provincial Minister of Health Pierre Uys, said that the data confirmed the enormous progress made by the successful ART programme in the Province and thanked health workers for the critical role they play in helping to keep patients on treatment.

He also commended the local, provincial and national government for its ongoing commitment to provide the substantial resources needed to continue rolling out the Province's ART programme to as many sites and patients as possible.

Uys, who took charge of the Ministry in May 2004, announced that the Province exceeded its target of 13 681 patients on anti-retrovirals by March 2006 in December 2005 by 250 with 13 939 patients on treatment. The ART programme commenced in April 2004 with 2 337 patients.

He said that currently on average 700 new patients per month joined the treatment programme in the Western Cape. Adding that this programme is the highest funded programme in the provincial HIV and Aids budget, receiving R 71, 6 million of the R 166, 7 million budgeted for in 2005/06.

Issued by:

The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health
Faiza Steyn
Director: Communication
Tel: 021 483 3235
Email: fsteyn@pgwc.gov.za