Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - November 30, 2005
Elvira van Noort and Sapa
"Come off the fence ... admit the high-profile people who are dying of HIV and become a role model for openness," IFP health spokesperson Ruth Rabinowitz said on Wednesday.
This year's World Aids Day on December 1 has two themes: Stop Aids. Keep the Promise and Stop Aids. Make the Promise.
Rabinowitz also had words for Minister of Health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.
"Drop Dr [Matthias] Rath and work with all the international donors who are longing to assist you to fight the epidemic. Provide more tests, nevirapine for pregnant women and give the provinces autonomy to roll out the anti-retroviral process."
She called on donor organisations not to work only with and through the government.
"Find a way to fund and hold accountable NGOs that have no link with the ruling party."
Rabinowitz urged South Africans to hold the government accountable.
"Get involved and make sure you use your power through the ballot box," she said.
The World Aids Campaign (WAC), which is behind World Aids Day, runs from 2005 to 2010 and wants to ensure that the promises and commitments made by a number of international, continental and regional agreements are fulfilled.
The Declaration of Commitment on HIV/Aids, signed in June 2001 by 189 heads of state and government representatives, is a long list of firm commitments to respond to Aids that leaders pledged to fulfil. With the new campaign themes, the WAC is now moving beyond raising awareness and is advocating for social and political change.
South Africa will join the rest of the world under the national theme A Nation Caring for Life. An event will be held at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
The WAC was started in 1997 by the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/Aids and is now an NGO based in The Netherlands, to raise awareness around the world about key issues regarding HIV/Aids.
The campaign aims to be nationally driven and civil-society led.
051130
SA051113
Copyright © 2005 - 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 2005. 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, 2005. 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. .