VIRUSMYTH HOMEPAGE

PRESIDENTIAL AIDS ADVISORY PANEL REPORT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The letter from President Thabo Mbeki inviting eminent persons to participate in the Presidential Advisory Panel on AIDS referred to the World Health Organisation report on the 'Global situation of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, end 1999' to describe the gravity of the situation that South Africa and the rest of the world were confronted with. The panel was constituted as part of the government's decision to respond to the AIDS catastrophe in an urgent and comprehensive manner, using all means at its disposal.

The invitations went out to eminent scientists and persons from all continents of the world who were expected to bring into the debates all points of view on the issues of HIV and AIDS. The responses to the invitations were instantaneous and reflected the overwhelming desire and determination to assist the South African government as it confronted the challenge posed by AIDS. Within a short period of two weeks, thirty-two (32) of these eminent persons assembled in Pretoria for the first meeting of the panel which took place on 6-7 May 2000. The second meeting of the panel took place in Johannesburg on 3-4 July 2000 and was attended by thirty (30) of the original invitees. Several invitees who could not attend either of the two meetings made their contributions to the debate through the Internet medium that was provided.

The panel was further enhanced by fifteen (15) members, mainly South African, who were invited by the Secretariat that supported and facilitated the work of the panel. The response of these invitees was just as overwhelmingly positive as that of the Presidential invitees.

The government and the people of South Africa are deeply indebted to these persons who responded without hesitation and in a selfless manner when the clarion call went out. Their generous contributions will undoubtedly prove pivotal as the world grapples with the challenge described in the WHO report referred to in the Presidents letter of invitation.

The debate of the complexity that was envisaged could not progress smoothly without expert facilitation. Such facilitation was ably provided by Professor Stephen Owen, Professor Ephraim Mokgokong and Dr Stephen Chandiwana. Their collective performance was a study in patient facilitation as they navigated the panel through complex and at times heated discussions.

Great debt is also owed to members of the Secretariat who were ably assisted by officials from the Departments of Health and of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. Special words of appreciation also go out to the team that produced the first draft of the report as well as the final editors of the report.

Individual names of the many people involved in the working of the panel have not been included because the list would be just too long. The government and the people of South Africa are deeply indebted to you all.

Contents | Continue

VIRUSMYTH HOMEPAGE