Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - September 5, 2006
"Upon our visit to the prison this morning [Tuesday], we were dismayed to learn that the man could not access ARVs because he does not posses an ID -- that is insane," South African Prisoners' Organisation for Human Rights (Sapohr) spokesperson Derrick Mdluli said.
"In 2005, prison officials were ordered by the court to supply the man with ARVs, but it never happened. His CD4 count has now dropped to 104."
Mdluli said on Tuesday that the man was too ill to even walk to the visitor's centre.
Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Manelisi Wolela denied the claims. "It cannot be true. It cannot happen. They [Sapohr] are just desperate to get media attention."
Mdluli's sentiments come barely three months after a ruling by Durban High Court Judge Thumba Pillay that the government should immediately provide ARV treatment at Westville prison.
His ruling followed an urgent application by 15 inmates of Westville prison and the Treatment Action Campaign -- who were represented by the Aids Law Project -- to compel the department to speed up ARV treatment.
On July 25, the department was granted leave to appeal against the order. However, on August 28, it was turned down by Judge Chris Nicholson.
He said South Africa could face "a grave constitutional crisis" that could leave judges considering whether they should continue their work if the government disobeyed their instructions.
060905
SA060904
Copyright © 2006 - 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Always watch for outdated information.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 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .