Deputy President Mabuza convenes the SANAC Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting

Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), chaired the SANAC Inter-    Ministerial Committee meeting on Friday, 26 February 2020. 
 
The meeting looked into among others, developments in the implementation of National Strategic Plan 2017-2022, governance, and a sustainable funding  model for SANAC to continue on its mandate of coordinating the country’s response to HIV/AIDS and TB.
 
 At this meeting, the Inter-Ministerial Committee approved the proposal for the extension of the current plan by one year, thereby deferring the  development of the next National Strategic Plan to start in next fiscal year, 2022.
 
The meeting noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the accelerated national response to HIV and TB, and reduced chances of meeting the targets for 2020 and 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 
 
In this regard, the meeting resolved that the year 2021 be devoted to accelerating the implementation of the HIV, TB and STIs programme in order to catch up on targets of the current National Strategic Plan, given that only nine years are remaining to 2030. The Inter-Ministerial Committee directed the SANAC Secretariat to coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of catch-up plans to guide the acceleration efforts.
 
On funding of SANAC as a multi-sectoral body established to respond to the HIV/AIDS and TB epidemics, the Inter-Ministerial Committee noted the financial constraints currently experienced by the country and the potential impact they have had on the sustainability of SANAC. In this regard, the Inter-Ministerial Committee supported a proposal to close the current funding shortfall by implementing a more sustainable model into the future.
 
The meeting was also briefed on the preparations for the World TB Day, which presents the global community an opportunity to educate the public about the impact of TB around the world, and raise awareness about efforts to prevent the spread of the epidemic. 
 
This year World TB Day will be commemorated under the national theme “The Clock is Ticking: Let’s Find, Treat and End TB Now!”. Mpumalanga Province, which is also a bearer of the burden of TB, will host the national commemoration event in a hybrid format in light of  COVID-19 restrictions.
 
Deputy President Mabuza encouraged members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to take part in the build-up activities, and further highlighted the importance of working with District Development Model champions in different districts in order to integrate the TB response efforts including highlighting TB educational messages.
 
 
Media enquiries: Matshepo Seedat on 082 679 9473 or Matshepo@presidency.gov.za
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria