South Africa is working against the clock to complete two applications for money from the $2-billion Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, Health Minister Dr Manto Tshablala-Msimang announced on Tuesday.

The Minister of Social Development Dr Zola Skweyiya, made a sobering admission in an interview with Health-e when he categorically said the government doesn't have enough money to deal with the problem presented by the growing number of orphans in South Africa. Skweyiya attributes this lack of financial resources to a growth in need that far outstrips the money available to deal with them. He says the government relies heavily on NGOs and business to create a sustainable plan to deal with the crisis.