R4D Managing Director Robert Hecht and the South African co-chairs of the aids2031 study on the country’s long-term costs and financing of AIDS met with the Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, in Cape Town to discuss the study’s findings and recommendations.

Accompanied by Dr. Yogan Pillay from the National Department of Health and Dr. Mark Blecher of the South African Treasury, Hecht briefed the minister on the report which had just been completed by a national team of epidemiologists, economists, and financial modelers. With guidance and backing from R4D, the South Africans examined a series of AIDS program scale-up options and assessed the costs and health impacts of each of these over the next two decades.

With 5.7 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS, the largest number in the world, and nearly half a million more adults and children infected each year, South Africa faces a huge financial challenge as it strives to respond to the AIDS epidemic.

During the 90 minute briefing, Minister Motsoaledi inquired about the estimated costs and benefits of different government policies on AIDS prevention, treatment, and orphan care programs, and explored with the joint R4D/South African team ways in which the aids2031 study might assist him in intensifying efforts to expand HIV testing, male circumcision, and other prevention activities, and how South Africa could make its AIDS treatment programs more efficient.

The Minister requested the R4D and the South African study team present its finalized results to the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), other government and civil society organizations, and the major international funders of AIDS activities in the country over the coming months.