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Letter to South African Government Opposing Dismissal of Deputy Health Minister
President Thabo Mbeki Dear President Mbeki: In solidarity with the millions of South Africans living with HIV/AIDS, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is writing to voice our deep concern regarding your recent dismissal of South Africa’s Deputy-Minister of Health Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge. We commend Madlala-Routledge for leading the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa with a scientific and proactive approach. She has been outspoken about the efficacy and necessity of antiretroviral drugs and has set an important example for the people of South Africa by publicly taking a voluntary and confidential HIV test. Madlala-Routledge has proven instrumental in enacting recent legislation to fight the epidemic, including the launch of the National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections for 2007 to 2011 and the re-launch of the South African National AIDS Council. Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang’s promotion of nutrition and traditional medicines in place of proven-effective antiretroviral treatments not only stands in contrast to overwhelming scientific evidence, but undermines Madlala-Routledge’s efforts. With the dismissal of Madlala-Routledge, the world is forced to question the South African Government’s commitment to a vigorous, evidence-based approach to HIV/AIDS. We urge you to prioritize sound and humanitarian public health policy and to put the health of your people first. As South Africa has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world, fighting HIV/AIDS must remain a prominent issue for your administration. Sincerely, Mark Ishaug AIDSTruth.org |
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