18 March 1999
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System
Pretoria - One of the more compelling challenges of our time must undoubtedly be the need to respond decisively and responsibly to the ever-increasing HIV/AIDS epidemic. Viewed against the backdrop of a country whose record of human rights speaks volumes, it is especially significant that in celebrating human rights day on 21st March 1999 all South Africans should endeavour to give effect to the provisions of the Bill of Rights which places a premium on the need to protect, respect, promote and fulfil the rights of all.
Wherein lies the challenge? An acute need exists to build a human rights culture which is premised on a caring ethos, and the need to create supportive and enabling environment for both the providers of care and people affected by HIV/AIDS.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic has brought issues of human rights and the provision of health care to the forefront of the debate. There is a dire need to balance the rights of people living with AIDS such that they receive clear and unadulterated access to quality health care within an environment commensurate with a caring ethos, and the respect and protection of the rights of people who provide this care.
In the context of HIV/AIDS an environment in which human rights are respected ensures that the spread of infection is limited, those infected with and affected by the HIV/AIDS live a life of dignity and the impact of the epidemic is decreased.
The epidemic challenges health workers to contemplate and revisit their commitment to caring for the ill and the dying. It calls on providers of care to confront the difficult issues with a sense of urgency underlining the close interrelation between the human rights and the provision of care.
HIV related public health goals need to take into account diverse economic, social and cultural values, traditions and practices - a diversity that should be celebrated as a rich resource for an effective response to HIV/AIDS.
The epidemic creates an environment for consultations between care givers, those that are affected and communities, encouraging community-driven initiatives rather than government owned plans or incentives.
AIDS advisory and mass mobilisation are incentives in ensuring that the public and more importantly those within health sector are sensitised and become increasingly aware of the rights of people infected by HIV/AIDS.
In balancing individual rights against social rights, two-issues are of grave concern to health care providers at large. The question of making AIDS disease notifiable is a health concern and also a human rights issue. We in health can advance health related arguments for debate but inputs from all sectors of society are important in order for an all encompassing decision to be arrived at.
Similarly the crimalisation of intentional spread of HIV is an issue for debate by all South Africans, so that we continue to create a safe and free environment for our children. Human Rights and health care continue to be irrevocably intertwined and in the area of HIV/AIDS will continue to challenge us to maintain that tricky balance between individual rights and group rights.