Inkatha Freedom Party Statement By:

DR RUTH RABINOWITZ MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON HEALTH
 

29th August, 2007

Following the release of the report by the South African National Academy of Science, stating that there is as yet no convincing research to indicate that nutrition affects the outcome of HIV/Aids, or offers an alternative to therapy with anti-retrovirals, the IFP calls for a new phase in the government's approach to HIV. 

This is in addition to the restructuring of SANAC and the new National Strategic Plan. 

Government must now make it unequivocally clear that HIV causes Aids and ARV's are the best route to treating the condition. 

There must be increased commitment of public funding to research bodies such as the SAIMR and the MRC to conduct research in partnership with universities. 

They must look at the impact on HIV of food, traditional medicines, minerals, neutraseuticals and complimentary medicines regulated by the Alternative Health Professions Council. 

Regulations (in the pipeline for seven years) dealing with traditional medicines, medical devices and complimentary health products must be published as a matter of urgency.

 Measures should be introduced to ensure that the public has access to the results of research that is being undertaken on herbs such as hoodia and sutherlandia or foods such as garlic and African Potato.

 The lack of legitimate research on the impact of diet on health was highlighted in the report and we believe South Africa could play an important role in leading world research on this field.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dr Ruth Rabinowitz MP: 082 579 3698 
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470