THE Ministry of Health has welcomed two recent major Aids-related announcements.

Last week the US ambassador in South Africa announced that his country would make available R900million over two years to help South Africa fight the pandemic.

The donation came after concerns were raised that the National Treasury's allocation was not enough and that it might hamper the country's antiretroviral programme.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said: "We are grateful for this support by the US."

Motsoaledi also welcomed King Goodwill Zwelithini's announcement at the weekend to reintroduce male circumcision among Zulu men.

"Though not 100percent effective, scientists have found that male circumcision provides some protection against the transmission of HIV.

We have to use everything at our disposal in our arsenal to fight HIV and Aids in our country," Motsoaledi said.