On Saturday 7 June 2003, from 09h00-10h00, the Treatment Action Campaign will be holding a picket at the entrance to the Growth and Development Summit at Gallagher Estate, Midrand.
TAC
supports the Growth and Development Summit and supports the proposals
that have been made by Labour and Community that aim to create
sustainable employment and community development for those who are
currently being kept outside of the formal economy.
However,
TAC believes that growth and development without a much more serious
approach to the HIV/AIDS epidemic will not be sustainable, as
recognized by the ANC conference of December 2002. Economic growth
is being harmed by 600 AIDS-related deaths a day. Social capital and
investment is being lost in 600 AIDS-related deaths a day. Lives will
be saved and jobs created if there is a commitment to local
manufacture of generic medicines, as part of a Treatment Plan.
It
is 6 months since the NEDLAC HIV/AIDS task team finalized the draft
Framework Agreement on a National HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment
Plan. Business says it is willing to sign an agreement. Only
government remains outstanding.
TAC
calls on the parties at the Growth and Development Summit to:
TAC
looks forward to a constructive meeting with Deputy President and
SANAC on 14th June 2003. Before then we urge every member of cabinet to
work night and day to finalise the decision on an anti-retroviral
treatment programme, on which so many lives depend.
For
further information, please contact:
Mark
Heywood 083 634 8806
Pholokgolo
Ramothwala 082 969 8691