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New inter-ministerial committee regarding HIV
welcomed by IFP
September 8, 2006
MEDIA STATEMENT RELEASED BY:
DR. RUTH RABINOWITZ - MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON HEALTH
Dr. Ruth Rabinowitz, the IFP spokesperson on Health today said:
" The IFP welcomes the cabinet's decision to widen the
government's involvement in tackling HIV/AIDS. However we
caution that unless the mandate of SANAC is changed and its
composition becomes more independent, nothing new will emerge
from this change in focus. It could be mere window dressing and
an attempt by Pres Mbeki to give the impression that he is still
responsive to international pressure " .
Further, Dr. Rabinowitz added: "The reality is that our health
department is straining under the load of over centralisation,
inefficiency and lack of accountability. There is no doubt that
improved government will to tackle HIV will make an impact. The
clarion call of a single voice promoting a change in lifestyle,
testing for HIV, effective use of anti-retrovirals and better
nutrition will also make an impact on the epidemic " .
" However, without a wider change of focus to improve health
services, the progress will be minimal. Government must tackle
sexually transmitted diseases, treat HIV like any disease
without the special provision of secrecy, improve information
technology around HIV, improve current statistics gathering and
co operate more openly with international donor organisations,
to prevent the pandemic from continuing to engulf young South
Africans and push up the death rate among women in particular "
.
In conclusion, Dr. Rabinowitz said: " The fact that the latest
pressure came from international scientists and not South
African scientist and doctors, is indicative of the fear factor
related to speaking out against government in this country. It
is a black mark against many of our own doctors and scientists
that they have not been more vocal against the manner in which
HIV has been handled in SA " .
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr Ruth Rabinowitz M.P(MB BCh)
JHB:Tel: 011 802 1826 Fax: 011 804 4221
C.T: Tel: 021 403 3061 Fax: 021 403 3334
Cell: 082 579 3698
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848 |
