The SA National Aids Council (Sanac) wants civil society to play a more active role in the fight against HIV-Aids.

The SA National Aids Council (Sanac) wants civil society to play a more active role in the fight against HIV-Aids.

At a conference at Emperor's Palace near Johannesburg this week, Sanac adopted a strategic plan to respond to the pandemic's challenges.

Sanac deputy chairman Mark Heywood said the meeting was about getting civil society to work together and not to railroad anybody into a position they did not support, and to agree on important issues.

"The implementation of the national strategic plan document depends on us.

"If we do not insist on policy change, a million people who should not be infected with HIV-Aids will die," he said.

Senior researcher at the Aids Law Project Jonathan Berger, said:

"The strategic plan is developed in a manner that it's not a government document, but it's for civil society, where time frames and targets are set to hold people accountable."

The plan functions under the areas of prevention; treatment, care and support; research, monitoring and surveys; and human rights and access to justice.

Its implementation depended on Sanac and civil society, said Heywood. - Sapa