PRESS STATEMENT BY
THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

GOVERNMENT UNCERTAINTY FUELS AIDS FEAR, SAYS IFP

Cape Town: 7 June 2001

The Inkatha Freedom Party appeals to the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang to share information with the Health Minister of Botswana, who has established that it benefits the country economically to provide anti-retrovirals and to purchase or accept free, patent medicines from pharmaceutical companies.

The uncertainty relating to 18 nevaripine programmes is fuelling fear and secrecy around Aids. These programmes should be implemented immediately to promote openness and linked to special community programmes for orphans.

While we commend the private initiative to offer Aids testing and anti-retrovirals, if implemented while government remains inactive, the lack of equity in health care between urban and rural people will be aggravated.

Issued by:
Dr Ruth Rabinowitz, MP
Health Spokesperson 082 579 3698

Enquiries:
National Parliamentary Media Office 021-403 3965