16 October 2002 STATEMENT ON MEETING BETWEEN DEPUTY PRESIDENT ZUMA AND THE TREATMENT ACTION CAMPAIGN Deputy President Jacob Zuma met with the Treatment Action Campaign last night, 15 October 2002, at Tuynhuys, Cape Town. The meeting was conducted in an open, frank and productive spirit. Central to the discussion was the crisis and urgency of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The two parties agreed that HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment and the promotion of openness and awareness was the responsibility of every South African, and that government had a responsibility to play a leading role in the campaign. It was also emphasized that co-operation and partnerships between government and civil society were essential to deal effectively with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Discussions were based on the government's commitment to the Five-Year Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS and the Cabinet Statements of 17 April 2002 and 09 October 2002. The TAC's call for a national treatment plan including antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS and its deadline of 01 December 2002 for government's commitment was extensively discussed. The meeting agreed that the NEDLAC process between labour, business, government and community on a framework agreement for a national treatment plan was important. All parties committed to the NEDLAC process and agreed that the Framework Agreement would be presented to the South African National Aids Council (SANAC). The Deputy President pointed out that the time frames presented by TAC might not be feasible and both parties agreed to consult further in this regard. However, both parties recognised the need for urgency based on the impact of the disease and the suffering and death in communities. Additional issues discussed included the Global Fund, the restructuring of SANAC, the rollout of the mother-to-child transmission prevention programmes and the implementation of the Constitutional Court order. The Deputy President and the TAC delegation also agreed to work tirelessly to give all people living with HIV/AIDS hope, and to strengthen the partnership to develop a good quality, affordable and accessible health-care system for all people in South Africa, particularly poor communities. Both the Deputy President and TAC welcomed and appreciated the fact that the meeting took place and both parties agreed to keep channels of communication open. The delegation of the Deputy President included the Director-General of the Department of Health, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba. The TAC Delegation comprised: Zackie Achmat (TAC national chairperson), Mark Heywood (TAC national secretary). Ms Siphokazi Mtathi (TAC treatment literacy co-ordinator), Ms Nonkosi Khumalo (TAC Women Health Coordinator) and Mr Mandla Majola (TAC Western Cape Co-ordinator). Ms Lakela Kaunda Spokesperson/Chief Director: Communications Office of the Deputy President The Presidency P/Bag x1000 PRETORIA Tel: 082 782 2575 Fax: 012 326 3010