South Africa changes its policies on HIV/AIDS

A couple of weeks ago we discussed the situation in South Africa with regards to its policies on HIV/AIDS. Specifically, we read Sonia Shah's article on AIDS denialism in South Africa under the "guidance" of President Thabo Mbeki, and about the various rumors about how HIV/AIDS is "cured" through herbal remedies, unprotected sex, and rituals.

Last week, a new Minister of Health was sworn in in South Africa. She brings with her a renewed commitment to combatting HIV/AIDS, and has made it her mission to dispell many of the common misconceptions about the disease. Also, one of her goals as incoming Minister, is to facilitate access to anti-retroviral drugs.

Most importantly, her ministry has for the first time in over a decade, admitted publicly that there is no denying that HIV causes AIDS. Remember, that was a point of contention under the former president, Thabo Mbeki, and health minister, "Dr. Beetroot"/"Dr. Garlic", Ms. Tshabalala-Msimang, who described ARVs as "toxic", and strongly advocated replacing them with traditional herbal medicine.

Some data for you:

HIV/AIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Number of people with HIV: More than 5.5m

Percentage of the population with HIV: 11%

Patients receiving ARVs in June: 495,000

Patients in need of ARVs: 520,000

Reported HIV/Aids deaths: 591,000

Sources: South Africa At A Glance 2008-09, UN Human Development Report 2007, Avert

This is going to be very interesting to watch the impact of the new policies, and whether or not the tide will turn on the spread of HIV, and the number of HIV/AIDS related deaths in South Africa

Sources:
CNN: S. Africa U-turns on HIV/AIDS treatment
BBC: New era for S Africa Aids fight?

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