Putting policy into practice for rape survivors [Part 1]
Despite the “lack of research that shows conclusively the effectiveness of anti-retrovirals in preventing HIV transmission as a result of sexual assault,” the Minister of Health Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, has instructed her provincial counterparts to provide post-exposure prophylaxis care for rape survivors in public health facilities. ARVs are prescribed after rape on the basis that they have proven to reduce HIV infection among nurses and doctors who sustain needlestick injuries. The drugs used are a combination of AZT and 3TC. Children will be given the medication in syrup form. A directive in the protocols – released on the 29th of May – states that “each province will begin to offer ARV prophylaxis as soon as it has done the necessary ground work.” In this audio report, the MEC of Health in Limpopo, Sello Moloto, explains what his province is doing.
This audio report is available in English ( 7:53) and Sesotho (11:136)
To obtain the audio file please contact the Editor.
Author
Free to Share
