The General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), Mr. Eddie Makue, today called on all sectors of society to redouble their efforts to halt the progress of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to ensure appropriate care, support and treatment for those people who are living with the virus.

Makue's call came at the conclusion of a two hour meeting between SACC Programme Directors and leaders of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). TAC requested the meeting in order to brief the Council on events at last week's International AIDS Conference in Toronto and the demands associated with yesterday's Global Day of Action to end new infections.

Council staff were concerned by recent evidence from 2005 ante-natal surveys that indicated that South Africa's national HIV prevalence rates have now topped 30% and are continuing to rise. Equally alarming was data from the most recent Statistics SA mortality report that shows both a steep increase in the number of deaths per annum in South Africa and dramatic change in longevity patterns as more and more people are dying between the ages of 25 and 40. These changes are a clear indication of the pandemic's tragic progress.

TAC representatives estimated that only about 120,000 of the 700,000 HIV+ people who are currently in need of anti-retroviral therapy are able to access treatment through the public health system. About 100,000 others can afford to obtain treatment through private plans.

"It is clear that much more must be done to stem the epidemic of death that is sweeping our nation," Mr. Makue said. "The SACC is committed to facilitating cooperation among all sectors of society to prevent new infections and to ensure that all people have access to appropriate treatment and care."

TAC also assured the Council that its brief demonstration at the South African exhibition in Toronto had not involved vandalism or intimidation. TAC leaders reaffirmed the organisation's long-standing commitment to non-violence.

For more information, contact: Rev. Teboho Klaas (082 412 2960)