Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association (Johannesburg) - January 6, 2003
Napwa spokesman Joe Manciya said the decision to suspend the hunger strike followed a meeting with health director-general Nono Simelela who met the protesters on behalf of health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. Simelela urged the activists to reconsider their action, which has seen several admitted to hospital.
The protest was conducted outside the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (PMA) in Midrand.
Manciya emphasised that only the hunger strike had been suspended and the campaign would continue.
"An earnest request was made by both the minister and the chief director on us to stop the fasting.
"This call was heeded by Napwa and on the same evening the comrades had their first soft evening meal.
"What needs to be clarified though is that only fasting has been stopped but protest action against pharmaceuticals, the banking council and insurance industry still continues," he said.
The group is demanding, among others, that the government provide social grants to unemployed people living with HIV/Aids.
Manciya said a meeting with the government on the issue had been scheduled for Friday.
Simelela earlier told the protesters that Tshabalala-Msimang was concerned about the impact on the health of those participating.
"The Department of Health is committed to implementing a nationwide nutrition programme to improve the health status of those who are HIV infected.
"This programme will be multi-pronged using simple approaches such as raise awareness around healthy lifestyles as well as partnerships with business, Department of Agriculture and other relevant roleplayers," Simelela said.
Napwa had an important role to play in the implementation of these strategies, Simelela said, adding that communication with the government needed to be improved.
"The department offered to facilitate the necessary meetings between Napwa and the institutions they are targeting through the strike, in such a way that Napwa maintains control over the process to ensure satisfactory outcomes," Simelela said.
Five activists were admitted to the Tembisa Hospital on the East Rand at the weekend suffering from dehydration.
Meanwhile, SABC radio news reported on Monday afternoon that Napwa members had forced their way into the PMA building.
According to the report, Napwa activist Thanduxolo Doro said they wanted to stage a sit-in but were being prevented by security guards.
030106
SA030103
Copyright © 2003 - 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 2003. 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, 2003. 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. .