By Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Despite important initiatives since 1994, South Africa still suffers from unacceptable and tragically high levels of HIV/Aids. The government has recommitted itself to combating this illness as a central part of its fight to create a better life for all South Africans. The crime of rape has also reached extra-ordinary proportions and should be combatted with equal determination. To do so succesfully will require government and the people to work together to mobilise our limited resources most effectively to combat these internal enemies.
Unfortunately, in recent weeks the fight against HIV/AIDS and rape has become clouded by emotive electioneering focusing on the government's decision not to give free AZT to victims of rape and pregnant mothers. For the ANC to refocus our collective energies rationally and appropriately on these battles, it is necessary to explain the facts behind the government's decision not to grant free AZT to victims of rape.
Halting the unacceptably high levels of violence and abuse of women and children is a central government concern. Laws to give effect to this were passed during the last session of Parliament.
In the short term, the ANC has called for harsher sentences against violent criminals and those who abuse women and children and special courts to try these cases. We also plan to improve co-operation between all elements of the criminal justice and to train police officers.
In the long-term, the creation of a human rights culture in South Africa is the only way to ensure that people do not treat each other abusively or violently.
Curbing the spread of HIV/ AIDS is also crucial. The continued spread of this incurable infection at current rates will undermine all other plans for improving the lives of South Africans.
To reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, the government is conducting massive education drives for the nation as a whole, and in schools, clinics and hospitals in particular. These campaigns, that stress personal responsibility in preventing the spread of HIV/Aids, must be taken up by all the people.
The government has made condoms widely available and encourages people to use them. We have also campaigned to remove the stigma around HIV/AIDS. These issues must be taken up by all the people.
Finally, the government will continue to pressurise drug companies and the makers of milk formula to provide their products to South Africans at affordable prices. Success in this endeavour will give the government more options in dealing with public health problems and will ease our struggle to give South Africans the healthcare we deserve.
All compassionate people lament the terrible suffering AIDS causes. We must join together to stop this suffering by preventing the spread of HIV.
Despite our hopes, however we must accept that at this point in time, there is no cure for AIDS.
Different drugs, taken in different combinations can reduce the chance of transmissions of the virus, or help alleviate some of the symptoms of AIDS. However, these drugs have harmful side-effects. Before we give any drug to any patient, we must test the drug's effectiveness and possible harm.
There is no conclusive evidence that taking the drug Zidovudine (commonly known as AZT would reduce the risk of contracting HIV/ Aids. This applies to consensual sex as well as in instances of rape.
Government cannot lightly distribute an expensive drug when it has no assurance of its effectiveness. Such an unjustified use of the healthcare budget would be widely censored.
Rape is an unacceptable violation of a person's dignity and rights. That rape may also lead to HIV infection makes the crime even more terrible. But we should not let our outrage make us less rational. We do not have enough money to give all South Africans the healthcare they want. Therefore, we must use all the money we have effectively and equitably .We cannot spend money on every drug that comes onto the market promising great, but unproven , results.
Considering the government's decision to spend our valuable healthcare funds on other projects, the news that CHRIS Hani Baragwanath Hospital is now giving AZT to pregnant mothers may lead to some confusion.
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital has begun a test of the effectiveness of AZT in preventing the transmission of HIV from pregnant mothers to their babies. This project, funded by the UNAids organization, will help gather more evidence about the effectiveness of this drug. The project will also provide HIV positive women with the hope that their children may have a greater chance of being born HIV negative.
The government will consider the results of this study and weigh the cost of providing the treatment against the promised results. If AZT proves to be an appropriate prescription considering South Africa's unique situation, the government will certainly fight to provide it for all people who need it.
We must remember though that at this point in time, there is no cure for Aids, as much as we all hope that one will be found.
The reprehensible attempts of the likes of Mr Peter Marais, MEC for Health in the Western Cape, to make cheap party political capital of this tragedy is beneath contempt.
Rather than allowing ourselves to be swayed by our yearning for easy solutions, let us all recommit ourselves to engaging in the long, painful and hard battle against HIV/AIDS and the crime of rape.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is a Member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC, Convenor of the ANC's Social Transformation Sub-Committee, and Minister of Health.
Issued by the African National Congress
Elections Media Centre
Braamfontein
27th MAY 1999