On Monday in Johannesburg, the government and AIDS groups joined forces to launch the South African National AIDS Council. The advisory body, chaired by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, will help coordinate South Africa's five-year plan to halve the number of new HIV infections by the end of 2011 and increase treatment access to 80 percent of those needing it. SANAC is a "true expression of our multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS in the country," said acting Health Minister Jeff Radebe.

The creation of the council represents a major development in South Africa, which has the world's second-highest HIV incidence. For many years, the relationship between AIDS campaigners and the government was marked by distrust and exasperation. Last year, lobby groups demanded the resignation of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

Longtime critics of Tshabalala-Msimang, who is currently recovering from a liver transplant, said they are now pleased to be partners with the government. While SANAC has no legal power, many see Mlambo-Ngcuka's presence as a sign of the importance the government attaches to the effort.

"What distinguishes SANAC from other work that we do, is that it us working together as partners," Mlambo-Ngcuka said at the launch.

Treatment Action Campaign, the country's top AIDS group and one of the fiercest critics of Tshabalala-Msimang, is among many civil society groups represented on the council. Mark Heywood, TAC's spokesperson, said that while the five-year plan and more government involvement are commendable, "The real challenge is going to be implementation."

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