About Us | Introduction

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on AIDS was the first high-level political body that was established to oversee the national response to HIV and AIDS. This committee was established at the end of 1997 and was chaired by the then Deputy President, Mr Thabo Mbeki. All ministers and deputy ministers attended committee meetings. The main objectives of the committee were to provide leadership, political oversight and guidance to the HIV and AIDS programme.

The HIV and AIDS epidemic presents South Africans with tremendous challenges. Too many people have been infected. Too many people have died. But if we work together, AIDS can be beaten. South Africa is uniting in its efforts to combat the epidemic and from now on SANAC will embody that unity and purpose.

The South African Government recognises the seriousness of the HIV and AIDS epidemic and its impact to the country. Hence partnerships and joint efforts were noted as critical points in addressing the challenges brought by HIV and AIDS and also reversing the epidemic.

The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) was formed to strengthen the strong political leadership as well as to ensure inclusion of civil society in the overall response to HIV and AIDS. The Council is composed of both government and civil society organisations.