Heal
th Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang used the opportunity of a
parliamentary media briefing to again urge journalists to spread
her message that Aids sufferers should use olive oil, lemon and
garlic to boost their immune systems.
She said it was sad the media had chosen to ridicule her on this
issue rather than convey her message to the people of South
Africa.
"It is very sad how the media handles this issue. I think garlic is
absolutely critical. Lemon is absolutely critical to boost the
immune system. Olive oil is absolutely critical... just one
teaspoon, it will last the whole month," she said.
The health minister also said there were only 2 000 doctors in
South Africa capable of administering antiretroviral drugs to
HIV-positive patients.
One of the biggest problems facing government in implementing its
antiretroviral roll-out programme was that out of South Africa's 20
000 doctors, only 2 000 knew how to administer
anti-retrovirals.
"Only 2 000 doctors in the country are actually able to manage
HIV/Aids".
Tshabalala-Msimang denied government had said 54 sites
administering antiretrovirals would be running by the end of this
month.
In November last year, government announced a HIV and Aids
treatment plan to provide at least one antiretroviral service point
in each of the country's health districts within a year.
A longer-term aim is to give all South Africans requiring treatment
access to the programme in their local municipal area within five
years.
However, Tshabalala-Msimang on Monday told journalists that
government did not say the programme would be "full blown" by the
end of February.
"We will announce a date when we are ready".
The department had to plan carefully so that the programme did not
"fall flat on its face", she said. – Sapa.
Edited by: laurian clemence
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