Speaking during a health pitso in Gaborone yesterday, the Assistant Minister of Health, Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri, said this will be in line with international standards as well as the World Health Organisation guidelines. Health officials say that when people take ARV treatment early, they are less likely to become ill, and therefore unlikely to need hospitalisation. Although increasing the cut-off point for treatment will translate to increased treatment costs, health officials argue that the positive outcomes will outweigh the cost. Studies around the world have shown that taking ARV treatment early dramatically reduces HIV/AIDS-related deaths.
Media reports say that the government of South Africa announced last year that it would give antiretroviral medication to people with CD4 counts of 350. Matlhabaphiri revealed that 20 additional clinics will offer access to ARVs in the 2012-2013 financial year, bringing the number of such facilities to 245.Meanwhile the ministry also plans to introduce the rotavirus vaccine to curb diarrhoea among children. "In addition, oral dehydration salts and zinc tablets are issued to all children under five for prompt management of diarrhea and prevention of dehydration," he said. Matlhabaphiri said although the ministry is in the forefront of seeing that the country is rid of malaria, deaths of children under five years of age and mothers remain 'unacceptably high'.
