Media Statement: ACDP supports health worker's HIV/Aids campaign

African Christian Democratic Party MP Cheryllyn Dudley

5 June 2003

Efforts by the Treatment Action Campaign to mobilise health workers in support of a national HIV/Aids treatment and prevention plan have the support of the African Christian Democratic Party.

"The government has consistently refused to treat HIV/Aids as an infectious disease, allowing it to escalate to a place where it can only be described as a threat to national security," said ACDP health spokesperson Cheryllyn Dudley.

"Health workers are demoralised and frustrated by the lack of training, infrastructure and medication to treat HIV/Aids patients. The government must make the necessary finance available to provide anti-retrovirals, declare the disease notifiable and implement compulsory testing until the crisis is brought under control.

Dudley also warned that if the way the government handled HIV/Aids is anything to go by, South Africa would be unprepared for an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), especially given the high number of people with compromised immune systems.

"Countries such as Taiwan have managed to slow the spread of Sars and experts expect it to be under control by the end of June. This has only been achieved by the seriousness with which the Taiwanese government takes health issues. The South African government could definitely learn from this."


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For more information: Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 890 6520
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307