The South African Council of Churches (SACC) welcomes the new spirit of consensus and co-operation that has emerged following the Cabinet's historic decision to develop, by the end of September, a plan for the provision of anti-retroviral medications through the public health system.

In its annual meeting earlier this week, the Central Committee of the SACC applauded the government's action and called on churches to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS realise the maximum possible benefit from the new opportunities created.

A resolution adopted by delegates from the SACC's 24 member denominations urged churches to make their resources available to facilitate effective implementation of the treatment plan. In particular, it asked local churches to monitor the initiative and to help communities to bring bottlenecks or other problems to the government's attention in a constructive manner.

The Central Committee also directed members of the SACC's National Executive Committee to meet with the government to identify and address potential obstacles to prompt action and to discuss ways to consolidate the progress achieved, especially with respect to the political leadership of the programme.

For further information contact Dr Molefe Tsele 011 241 7817