IFP calls for renewed efforts to fight AIDS epidemic

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
DR RUTH RABINOWITZ MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON HEALTH

November 22, 2006

The IFP spokesperson for Health, Dr Ruth Rabinowitz, today said:

"It is no surprise that the 2006 UNAIDS update released yesterday revealed that Sub-Saharan Africa is still the most affected by the AIDS epidemic.  But most appalling is the rate of infection among women, who account for the bulk of the epidemic in South Africa."

"South Africa carries the notorious title of the country with the highest number of women infected with HIV/AIDS. The IFP believes that the high rate of infection in this country is an awful blight on our society when you take into consideration our country's relative wealth and resources compared to other African countries."

Commenting on the pending release of the South African National AIDS Council (Sanac) framework on government's strategy to combat AIDS on World AIDS Day, Dr Rabinowitz said: "With at least 5.54 million South Africans with AIDS, the IFP does not believe that the draft plan of providing treatment to 650 000 adults and 100 000 children by 2011 is enough. The IFP urges government for more progressive goals in dealing with AIDS."

Dr Rabinowitz concluded by saying: "The IFP continues, as it always has, to call for AIDS to be treated as an ordinary disease, for group pre-testing with an opt-out provision and for wider access to testing. Without greater decentralization of government health services and better participation with the business and international communities, efficiency will elude us and thousands in need of treatment will be left to die."


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP (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