MEDIA STATEMENT BY:
 THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY


IFP APPLAUDS GOVERNMENT FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING ON HIV/AIDS TREATMENT PLAN

Durban: 20 November 2003

The IFP today said, when welcoming government's approval to immediately introduce a comprehensive HIV/Aids plan, that it hoped the plan would be expedited without delay. Reverend K.M Zondi, the National Spokesperson added that he hoped the announcement would end the acrimonious divisions that have bedevilled the national effort to end this scourge.

Reverend Zondi said:

"The IFP hopes that government's announcement will de-politicise the issue and end the too often divisive debate surrounding this issue."

'Millions of people have already died from this dreadful disease. In memory of them, let us now work together as one-nation to eradicate this disease."

"It is necessary for civil society and government to work together to develop an integrated approach to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for people living with HIV/Aids."

"The plan must also address the plight of child-headed families who have been orphaned by HIV/Aids."

Contact:
Reverend K.M Zondi, 082 572 1036