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) - March 23, 2003
"If the Minister of Health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang cannot or will not lead the fight against HIV/Aids, perhaps she should resign and become a human shield in Iraq along with her colleague Winnie Madikizela-Mandela," the DA's health spokeswoman Sandy Kalyan said in a statement.
Kalyan said the country's fight against HIV/Aids could only be as strong and effective as its weakest member.
"If South Africa wants to see the 'Partnership Against Aids' (as referred to in Sunday's advertisements) taking off, then we need a new minister of health," she said.
Kalyan said that Tshabalala-Msimang continued to characterise the response to the Aids pandemic with controversy and denial.
"It is not only a lack of political will, but far worse, an obstinately obstructionist attitude on the part of the minister that is preventing or postponing the adoption of a treatment plan."
Meanwhile, the Congress of SA Trade Unions has Sunday's advertisement saying it was a huge relief, particularly for those that wanted vigorous action.
"Based on the clarification of government's position, we expect an urgent and fruitful return to Nedlac (National Economic Development Labour Council) so that we can establish a common front against Aids, based on commitments from all the parties to strong action to end discrimination, and to improve prevention, counselling, treatment and support for people with HIV," the federation said in a statement.
The clarification was particularly important in light of the public debate which had made Cosatu wonder whether government had engaged in "doublespeak".
"Cosatu now expects all ministers to speak clearly and with one voice, in line with Sunday's important communication to the public on the subject of HIV".
It also welcomed the statement's call for cheaper medicine, and the commitment to addressing the market power of the pharmaceutical companies.
"Until now, government has not used its powers under the Medicines Control Act to licence local manufacturers to produce generic medicines."
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