Health minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang this week addressed the United National General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in New York. She said singling out the issue of anti-retroviral drugs was undermining the efforts made by many developing countries in dealing with pandemic. This is the full speech she delivered to the assembly.

Always outspoken, World Bank managing director Dr Mamphela Ramphele, has made made it clear that South Africa needs to articulate its AIDS plan to the world, not only via the health minister, but also the president. This AIDS plan should, according to Ramphele, include anti-retroviral treatment for those living with the disease. Health-e caught up with her on a recent visit to Cape Town where she received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, the University of Cape Town.