Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - April 10, 2002
Individuals should be allowed to decide for themselves if they wanted to use Aids drugs, Mandela said at a dinner held at the Spier Wine Estate to mark Shell Oil's centenary in South Africa.
Last Thursday the government said it accepted a Constitutional Court ruling that it provide the drug to HIV-positive pregnant women at all state hospitals with the capacity to do so.
Currently the government only provides nevirapine at 18 pilot projects. "Let the people decide for themselves," he said.
Mandela said he fully supported the government's research into the use of anti-retrovirals but was opposed to its refusal to allow people to decide for themselves on the drugs.
While it was necessary for the government to conduct research, there was a perception that it was insensitive to the needs of the sick.
"While I support you as a government to conduct this research, we must deal with this perception.
"Let us leave the responsibility to each individual who may be suffering from HIV/Aids and warn them that some of these drugs may be toxic," he said. If the drug affected them adversely, it was their own responsibility.
"They must decide for themselves whether they want to use these drugs."
By not providing drugs in state hospitals, the government was effectively prejudicing the poor as the rich could always go to their private doctors or clinics for the drugs, while the poor could only rely on public hospitals where the drugs could be provided free.
"I have expressed that opinion because I believe in it and I am prepared to defend it to the end of my days," he said.
020410
SA020409
Copyright © 2002 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .