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Speculation about the likely declaration of an AIDS-related national emergency persists, largely driven by a routine question by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tony Leon.

The hype in this regard certainly does not emanate from the Presidency or the Department of Health and seems calculated to divert attention from Government's defence, through the courts, of our people's basic right to affordable drugs.

There has been careful consideration of relevant public health issues within the Department of Health and we continue to hold the view that the issue of affordable medicines cannot be reduced to a one-dimensional debate on declaring a national emergency to secure anti-retroviral drugs for AIDS management.

Contrary to speculation, Cabinet has never considered the issue of utilising emergency measures in relation to procuring medicines and consequently Government has no plans to declare such an emergency.

We have confidence in the solidarity that has been built around the issue of affordable health care and urge those who support this cause to remain focused on our real goals.

Contact: Sibani Mngadi at 082 772 0161, Jo-Anne Collinge at 082 787 0202

Issued by Ministry of Health

13 March 2001