UNAIDS executive director, Peter Piot, on Monday welcomed South Africa's decision to provide a national treatment plan for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Following a day-long special cabinet meeting at the weekend, the government proposed a September deadline for the development of an operational drug rollout plan.
In a statement issued in Geneva, Piot said the country's response to HIV/AIDS was now entering a critical new phase, characterised by strong political commitment.
Piot said: "The decision by President Mbeki and his cabinet exemplifies the leadership needed to reverse the global HIV/AIDS epidemic."
He also commended the efforts of South Africans living with HIV/AIDS in bringing about the national treatment plan, adding that the UN system was ready to provide support to the government as it develops and implements the initiative.
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