30 August 2006
The Ministry of Health welcomes the statement by a Sowetan newspaper
columnist who is living with HIV, Lucky Mazibuko where he warns that the narrow
approach of blaming government for the challenge of HIV/AIDS in South Africa is
dangerous.
Writing in today's edition of the Sowetan, Mazibuko said: "HIV has been
turned into a government versus the people battle. This narrow focus is
dangerous and has contributed largely to the status quo because it seems to
suggest that one can get infected and then the government will have to deal
with the consequences."
Mazibuko argues that it is imperative to impress upon each and every person
that HIV begins with the individual and he emphasises the need for
prevention.
On treatment Mazibuko writes: "Treatment is not restricted to
anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment, care and support.
"These are crucial and must be accessible to all people living with HIV but
not at the expense of more infections in the knowledge that I can demand,
toyi-toyi and embarrass the powers that be."
The sentiments expressed by Mazibuko reflect the views of the many people
living with HIV/AIDS who do not support confrontation but would like to
strengthen partnerships with their own government in the response to
HIV/AIDS.
This partnership should be expressed through collaboration between
government and civil society organisations in the provision of comprehensive
HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment services on the ground.
Toyi-toying and disobedience against a democratically elected government
will not add any value to the national efforts to respond to the challenge of
HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
For more information contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Spokesperson of the Minister
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Ministry of Health
30 August 2006
