GAUTENG HEALTH FAILS ON HIV/AIDS TARGETS

The Gauteng Health Department is failing to meet key targets in preventing and treating HIV/Aids.

This is according to the Department's Second Quarterly Report released last week in the Gauteng Legislature which covers the July to September period this year.

Only 560 000 patients were on anti-retroviral treatment compared to the 843 500 target. The department blames this on "poor data management" and says that data capturers have to be trained in tracking and tracing defaulters.

It is very disturbing that the department has lost track of so many patients.

The male condom distribution rate is only 9%, which is less than the 13% target.

HIV testing coverage has fallen to a recorded rate of only 13% compared to the 95% target. Again, the department blames a lack of data capturers.

Cervical cancer screening is also low - 50% compared to the targeted 65%.

The department seems to have lost the ability to monitor its HIV/Aids treatment programme effectively. This is very serious and needs to be rectified urgently.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, November 26 2013

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