Politics and Policy – Media Watch
TAC faces closure due to cash-flow woes
According to today’s (Thursday’s) news reports, the legendary Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) might be forced to close its doors come the New Year because of cash-flow problems.
The organisation says that maladministration of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria money by the Department of Health is the root of the problem.
HIV activists ‘terrorised’ by God-Zille’s HIV criminalisation comments
Helen Zille’s recently aired and very controversial views on the criminalization of unsafe sex and who deserves HIV treatment have proved to be the sparks that ignited a slew of online media coverage and responses from outraged HIV activists.
Zille was reported as saying that unsafe sex should be criminalised, particularly when it came to men involved in multiple concurrent partnerships.
The premier also stated that those who contract HIV through irresponsible behavior should not “come running to the state” for treatment.
The most notable response to Zille’s controversial remarks came from Nathan Geffen (TAC) and Gavin Silber (Social Justice Coalition).
Geffen and Silber argue that the Premier’s opinions are “misinformed and unscientific” and “unconstitutional” to boot. Most importantly, Geffen and Silber point out that the criminalisation of unsafe sex and the withdrawal of treatment from those deemed undeserving and irresponsible, would actually have negative consequences for those living with the virus and for the spread of HIV itself.
Female Condom woes continue
A recent succession of articles published on the supply of female condoms has brought to light the many issues which appear to be standing in the way of adequate supply and effective distribution of the “femidom”. The latest contribution to the coverage comes in the form of an article in The New Age published on 7 November, in which government has been accused of endangering the lives of women by slowing down the process with incorrect paperwork and questionable tenders.
Gauteng health’s cash flow woes
Today The Times reports that the Gauteng health department has failed to reach important goals and targets because of ‘self-induced’ cash flow problems.
The department’s annual report reveals that among the goals which the department has failed to reach is the implementation of a workplace HIV education drive.
AIDS a factor in slowing of population growth
Reports that population growth is slowing and that AIDS-related deaths remain a contributing factor illustrates that there are still HIV-related challenges that need to be addressed.
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