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            MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE

            
                The National Strategic Plan for 2011 - 2016 is being written as you read this issue of the Journal.
                Through its members, the Society has contributed a lot to the draft
                that it is hoped will be out in the next few weeks. The previous Plan
                was constructed in extremely difficult political circumstances (the
                then Minister of Health and senior Department of Health officials were
                still part of the old Mbeki era of HIV denial), and involved long
                meetings arguing over the most ridiculous points of science. This Plan
                is a completely different beast – broadly consulted in multiple
                meetings with every corner of society, with the DoH leading from the
                front. The writing team is reviewing a huge number of submissions, and
                integrating the suggestions into a strategic plan.

                
                

                The plan suggests that there will be more firm targets on everything
                from monitoring the number of people on ART to human rights abuses to
                drug stock-outs, and some dramatic ‘game changers’. Keep
                your eye on this space – we’ll be profiling the Plan
                through the Society.

                
                

                The Executive’s term of office is up, as the board has taken
                over, in terms of the new Companies Act. They have kindly remained as
                an advisory board, but elections for a new set of directors for the
                Society will take place in November. I encourage people to consider
                standing, even though the current Exco is a hard act to follow.
                Finally, welcome to Landon as the new, energetic editor of the Journal – we can’t wait to see how you build on the LGB legacy.

                
                

                FRANCOIS VENTER

                President