PRESS STATEMENT BY
THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY

CAPE TOWN :  11 MAY, 2000

The AIDS hearings have revealed the confusion surrounding the AIDS epidemic, and many contradictions in government policy.

In view of the latest startling statistics released by Health Systems Trust, the crisis now demands a clearly focused strategy, with the President, health Department, private pharmaceutical companies and international aid organisations working in the same direction. If necessary a panel of these bodies should be convened to break any impasses.

Our failure to stem the pandemic is simplistically reduced to a battle between government and drug companies over cheaper medicines.

In reality we need to adopt urgent measures such as an emergency Aids fund for provinces, Aids testing offered to all patients in clinics and hospitals and people who test positive told the results, group pre-test counselling and individual counselling for people who test HIV positive.

Government owes the public a clear explanation why it does not provide treatment to reduce the number of babies born with AIDS and why it does not enter into partnerships with donor organisations to provide anti retro viral treatment for people with HIV.

If this option is too costly, other incentives must be found to encourage people to become open about their condition. Otherwise we will witness a progressive attrition of the population and render the struggle for freedom in South Africa worthless.

For Further Information: 

Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP 082 597 3698
IFP Parliamentary Media Unit, Cape Town 021 403 3965