ACCURATE INFORMATION VITAL IN FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS

Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP, IFP Parliamentary Spokesperson on Health, has today called for employee tests for HIV/AIDS.

Dr Rabinowitz said:

"While it is no longer deemed advisable to make HIV/AIDS notifiable, it must be in everyone's interest to know about the disease. Only that which is known can be dealt with."

"Therefore, against the backdrop of no unfair discrimination, government should amend legislation that inhibits business testing employees for HIV. The testing could remain anonymous."

"People may not be tested against their will but testing could be made an annual contractual requirement by employers as with routine screening for TB and routine counselling on STDs and AIDS."

"The use of salivary tests should be investigated and efforts made to reduce the cost of blood testing through wider use."

"The motivation in calling for such tests is based upon the belief that every South African has the right to know his or her health status. Until there is more widespread testing for HIV in all clinics and hospitals and a requirement that people are informed of their results, the condition will remain underground and impossible to curb"

For Further Information: Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP 082 597 3698

IFP Parliamentary Media Unit, Cape Town 021 403 3965