Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - August 1, 2009
"2010 is going to come with good things but it may also come with dangerous things," Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said after a Sanac plenary meeting.
"Of course the concern is: what will be the effect of 2010, which everybody is waiting for? Are we going to find the rate of infection accelerating because of 2010?" he asked.
"I mean, we will be having lots of visitors here, we know there will be lots of visitors who come here for sex, you can't hide that. It happens and what will be the effects on this country?"
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, who is the Sanac chairperson, said its sport and entertainment sector would hold talks in September to examine how the sporting spectacular would be used to focus on HIV/Aids.
It would also aim to ensure the "event itself does not result in increased transmission", Motlanthe said.
Sanac noted that commercial sex workers were vulnerable to sexual abuse and violence, making it difficult to protect themselves from HIV infection.
"It was in this context that sectors were requested to consult on this matter with specific reference to the possibility of the decriminalisation of sex workers," Motlanthe said.
Decriminalising sex work to protect women has been raised by various government departments ahead of the Soccer World Cup, when demand for the services of prostitutes might increase.
Sanac resolved to invite sex workers to its next plenary meeting to discuss their problems.
Motsoaledi said decriminalising sex work was a vexing issue and Sanac had not decided whether to support this.
"The issue is very emotive in terms of morals, culture. We took a decision that in the next plenary we want the sex workers to be here. They will be here to talk for themselves," Motsoaledi said.
Motlanthe said the World Health Organisation conducted an "external review" of the country's tuberculosis (TB) control programme last month.
It resolved that greater integration of TB and HIV services was needed, given the high co-infection rates. There was also a need for resources for TB programmes.
While Sanac recognised that male circumcision did not provide full protection from HIV transmission, it directed the health department to find out how to expand access to voluntary male circumcision and the costs, Motlanthe said.
After the plenary Sanac deputy chairperson Mark Heywood highlighted the differences in the organisation since the departure of former health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, whose stance of HIV/Aids was widely criticised.
In 2008, more than five million South Africans were infected with HIV. The government hopes to halve infections by 2011.
090801
SA090801
Copyright © 2009 - 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 2009. 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, 2009. 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. .