So it would seem the world is finally getting with the programme, as new technologies to fight HIV/AIDS topped the agenda at this year`s 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto this week. Well, most of the world, anyway.
See, because while this high-level global event serves as a platform for countries and organisations to put their best feet forward regarding their HIV/AIDS strategies, treatment campaigns and research, SA brought fruit and vegetables.
Eh?
No, really. Our minister of health, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, is at it again and she`s pulling no punches. This time SA, which is said to have the highest HIV/AIDS infection rate on the globe, has well and truly become the laughing stock of the world.
Let`s put this in context. During recent years, most countries have recognised the time bomb that is the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and have swiftly followed with coherent plans of action, which in most cases included large-scale antiretroviral roll-outs, education campaigns and prevention strategies.
While government is holding out on antiretrovirals, people are dying.
Martin Czernowalow
And, as new medical technology and science is obviously playing an increasingly prominent role in the fight against AIDS, business is also stepping up to do its bit. Last week, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, through the Gates Foundation, donated R3.4 billion to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria over the next five years.
It was reported that this latest grant by the Gates Foundation brings the organisation`s total support for the Global Fund to $650 million. I guess we could say Gates is serious about fighting the disease.
Perhaps the same cannot be said for Tshabalala-Msimang and the South African government. While government has publicly admitted to pondering the connection between HIV and AIDS, official figures show that about one in nine South Africans is living with HIV/AIDS. It is also widely accepted that these statistics are conservative and the real scale of the problem can only be guessed at.
What I`m getting at is that while government is holding out on antiretrovirals, people are dying. Meanwhile, back in Toronto, the South African government booth reportedly contained a mix of drugs and natural remedies, such as lemons, garlic and beetroot. Tshabalala-Msimang heavily promoted the latter at Sunday`s official opening of the booth, drawing harsh criticism from AIDS campaigners, who accused her of an abdication of responsibility.
So Tshabalala-Msimang`s "Let them eat vegetables" attitude is just about as well received as a similar sentiment expressed by Marie Antoinette, and we all remember what happened to her. However, whether Tshabalala-Msimang still has her head is a point of debate. Government`s motives for its peculiar position can only be guessed at, but this is a different discussion altogether.
But it was not all bad news in Toronto though. SA did receive praise for its policy of allowing refugees in the country to have access to life-prolonging AIDS treatment. I sure hope they like their greens.
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