ANCYL backs Manto's HIV plan
2006-09-10 20:43
Special Report
The South African government has announced a joint venture to reduce the cost of anti-retroviral drugs with a Swiss company.
Randfontein - The African National Congress Youth League came out in support on Sunday of Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's plan to fight HIV/Aids.
ANCYL president Fikile Mbalula said: "There are people who are misleading our people to make them believe that antiretrovirals - and antiretrovirals alone - can actually fight HIV/Aids. It is wrong, that conception."
Mbalula was speaking at Randfontein Mohlakeng Stadium at his party's 62nd anniversary.
"Therefore, issues of nutrition and antiretrovirals are part and parcel of our comprehensive approach to fighting HIV/Aids.
"We must communicate the proper message, including from the government.
"We must not confuse our people with regard to this particular matter.
Must raise levels of awareness
"It actually makes them believe that, on the other hand, nutrition and nutrition alone will boost your immune system and the question of HIV/Aids without antiretroviral drugs will be addressed," he said.
Mbalula said the minister's critics, especially non-governmental organisations, should not promote the impression that "antiretrovirals alone will address the question of the pandemic".
"We must educate young people and raise levels of awareness."
He said President Thabo Mbeki, ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma and Tshabalala-Msimang were not going to check whether people were using condoms.
"It is our responsibility to use a condom and that is what is critical."
Tshabalala-Msimang came under fire at the International Aids Conference in Toronto last month for promoting the use of garlic and beetroot against HIV/Aids.
There have also been calls from a range of people for her to be sacked as minister of health.
- SAPA