Renewed calls for Government to take action against the controversial Dr Rath Health Foundation have come from a large group of health professionals working in the Western Cape's internationally acclaimed antiretroviral programme.
Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi fired a broadside at Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and President Thabo Mbeki at the weekend, accusing them of failing to provide leadership in the fight against HIV. The minister's spokesperson has in turn accused Vavi of being irresponsible and ignorant. Read the full text of Vavi's speech and the minister's statement here.
Bowing to huge international pressure, major pharmaceutical companies have made significant efforts to make their patented antiretroviral drugs available in Africa while ensuring that they ' not generic manufacturers ' maintain market control in the continent.
There is much to worry about regarding the multi-vitamin supplements being marketed to South Africa's HIV-positive population by the German doctor, Matthias Rath, according to the Department of Health's own nutrition expert, Lynne Moeng.
While the Department of Health's nutrition expert has been quick to point out concerns over Dr Matthias Rath's multi-vitamin supplements, which he touts as the only effective way to 'fight off' HIV, its Director-General says there is nothing wrong with the pills, nor the activities of Rath's Health Foundation in South Africa.
Lack of funds is behind the decision, amid claims of "protocol violations" and counter-claims of unilateral decision-making by the funder.
Deputy health minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge dispenses with pomp in favour of problem solving.
Gauteng has the highest number of people on antiretroviral treatment of all the provinces, with 13 670 adults and 1 822 children on the drugs by mid-May.
The country's biggest antiretroviral treatment centre have been convinced that the drugs work.
Sick hospital patients in six state hospitals are given garlic, lemon and olive oil by controversial nutrition nurse Tine van der Maas
Foreign former businessman persuades residents to abandon antiretroviral drugs in favour of natural diet.
Despite the Health Minister's concern that many patients on anti-retrovirals (ARVs) may be experiencing side-effects, doctors report that around 10% of their patients have had drug difficulties, with only one percent being serious.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have condemned the vitamin selling Matthias Rath Foundation.
Many relationships have collapsed under the strain that one partner has HIV. And the knowledge that a potential partner has HIV has dissuaded some from pursuing the relationship. Others refused to buckle under pressure.
South Africa in particular needs to show its commitment to treating HIV positive people with anti-retrovirials if the World Health Organisation target of treating three million people by the end of the year is to be met.
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