8 February 2007
The National Youth Commission (NYC) is seriously concerned about the reports
that there are young women used as guinea pigs in a research study in
kwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal. The reports state that, Conrad, a United
States-based and funded reproductive research group with research sites in
South Africa, Benin, Nigeria, Uganda and India is behind the project.
There are a lot of concerns emerging from the reports such as the countries,
mainly in Africa, where sites are chosen and the messages and myths generated
around the use of microbicides.
It is disturbing to note that there are perceptions that the research study
is spreading inaccurate messages which defeat our national effort of educating
our young women and all our youth about the dangers of unprotected sex.
It is disappointing to note that the Medical Research Council (MRC) has
allowed the study to go ahead. The MRC has worked with the NYC in particular
and the youth sector in general, and if these reports are accurate, then
another engagement with the MRC might have to be undertaken.
What concerns the NYC is that there is still no cure for HIV and AIDS.
The Department of Health must get to the bottom of this matter and if there
is any foul play or unethical conduct on the part of the researchers,
appropriate and relevant action must be taken immediately.
Our country and the continent should do all possible to stop the
multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry from preying on the poverty and
underdevelopment of African and other underdeveloped peoples.
For comments, please contact:
Monde Mkalipi
Cell: 082 575 3976
Meshack Sempe
Communications Directorate
National Youth Commission
Tel: (012) 309 7866
Fax: (012) 324 4756
Fax: 086 692 2961
Cell: 076 707 4598
E-mail: sempem@nyc.gov.za
Issued by: National Youth Commission
8 February 2007
