Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi fired a broadside at Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and President Thabo Mbeki at the weekend, accusing them of failing to provide leadership in the fight against HIV. The minister's spokesperson has in turn accused Vavi of being irresponsible and ignorant. Read the full text of Vavi's speech and the minister's statement here.

Bowing to huge international pressure, major pharmaceutical companies have made significant efforts to make their patented antiretroviral drugs available in Africa while ensuring that they '€“ not generic manufacturers '€“ maintain market control in the continent.

There is much to worry about regarding the multi-vitamin supplements being marketed to South Africa'€™s HIV-positive population by the German doctor, Matthias Rath, according to the Department of Health'€™s own nutrition expert, Lynne Moeng.

While the Department of Health'€™s nutrition expert has been quick to point out concerns over Dr Matthias Rath'€™s multi-vitamin supplements, which he touts as the only effective way to '€œfight off'€ HIV, its Director-General says there is nothing wrong with the pills, nor the activities of Rath'€™s Health Foundation in South Africa.

Lack of funds is behind the decision, amid claims of "protocol violations" and counter-claims of unilateral decision-making by the funder.

Deputy health minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge dispenses with pomp in favour of problem solving.

The country'€™s biggest antiretroviral treatment centre have been convinced that the drugs work.

Sick hospital patients in six state hospitals are given garlic, lemon and olive oil by controversial nutrition nurse Tine van der Maas

Foreign former businessman persuades residents to abandon antiretroviral drugs in favour of natural diet.

Despite the Health Minister'€™s concern that many patients on anti-retrovirals (ARVs) may be experiencing side-effects, doctors report that around 10% of their patients have had drug difficulties, with only one percent being serious.