Sydafrikansk LO om aids 2001

Statement by COSATU Central Executive Committee on the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC); 26 April 2001

COSATU's Central Executive Committee (CEC) at its meeting today welcomed Zackie Ahmet and Mark Heywood, Chairperson and Secretary of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) for a discussion on how to take forward the campaign for affordable treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The CEC agreed that last week's court case victory against the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA) was a
critical step toward establishing a legal framework for making medicines in South Africa affordable. It was also an important victory of activists, poor people and people with HIV/AIDS over corporate abuse of power.

The CEC recognised that this victory was only possible because of a superbly organised global effort and the dedication of thousands of volunteers. COSATU congratulated and thanked all their allies and supporters for their contributions.

There is however also agreement that a long battle still lies ahead before affordable medicines are accessible to all those who need them. If steps are not taken immediately to implement the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Act, the victory could prove to be a hollow one.

The whole of civil society has to share the responsibility for taking the campaign forward. COSATU demands that
employers, especially the big corporations, provide free treatment to those of their workers and their families who are living with HIV/AIDS. We also demand that insurance companies, banks and medical aid schemes end all discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.

But the government has a special responsibility to give a lead.
COSATU will be government's firmest supporter when it does the right thing, such as introducing the Medicines Act,
but we will be its sternest critic if it fails to meet its constitutional duties to protect life and dignity. Particularly concerning are the continual delays in implementing a
countrywide mother-to-child transmission prevention programme and the lack of a treatment plan.

The government must:
· Immediately implement the Medicines Act;
· Immediately promulgate the regulations required under
the Act;
· Begin implementing a countrywide mother-to-child
transmission programme without further unnecessary
delays;
· Immediately apply for voluntary licenses on essential
generic medicines;
· Invest more money into AIDS prevention
programmes and include treatment as part of the
prevention message;
· Develop a treatment plan by 16 June, which will outline how treatment will be made accessible to all South Africans with HIV/AIDS, opportunistic and sexually transmitted diseases, and will commit thegovernment to increased health-care spending.

Linked to these measures, the government must urgently introduce a comprehensive social security system, to end the poverty and hunger which contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS and makes its treatment far more difficult.

The pharmaceutical companies must act in good faith and not hamper the implementation of the Medicines Act. They may be represented in discussing the Pricing Committee regulations, but civil society, particularly TAC, other AIDS groups, health-care workers and labour must also be represented and have greater influence, as they represent the majority of our people.

An important lesson from the PMA court case has been that global solidarity on social issues is immensely powerful. We
would not have won so easily and quickly without global mobilisation. Issues of concern to all poor countries must be combated with a united front.

The next big battle is Brazil's legal battle in the World Trade Organisation with the United States pharmaceutical companies who want to stop the Brazilian government doing the same as
the South African government is trying to do. The South African government must issue a statement of support for
Brazil.

COSATU's objectives are to get reatment for people with HIV/AIDS in the context of building a quality health-care service. We will use all means at our disposal to achieve these aims, including:
· Highlighting the issue of affordable treatment on May Day, 1 May, and Youth Day, 16 June;
· Writing a joint letter with TAC to the Minister of Health, setting out our demands;
· Organising an AIDS Walk to raise money and awareness;
· Sending an office-bearer to Brazil to convey our solidarity and negotiate for the importation of cheap
antiretroviral drugs;
· Convene an Alliance summit meeting to discuss the treatment plan;
· Work with fellow trade unions in the Southern African region.

For further information please phone Theo Steele, Cosatu Campaigns Coordinator, on 011 339 4911

Siphiwe Mgcina
COSATU Spokesperson

siphiwe@cosatu.org.za
082-821-7456
339-4911