Rise gives cause for alarm

The increase in the incidence of HIV and AIDS among all sectors of society must give cause for serious alarm and indicate that the Government should review with urgency its current programme on health policy in relation to preventative measures.

According to the National Disease Surveillance Centre, the number of HIV cases have risen from 119 in 1997 to 299 last year. What will immediately be pointed to by those whose xenophobic cause it suits, is that of the 127 new heterosexual cases of HIV reported last year, 92 were women and most of them stated their region of origin as Africa.

It would be hysterical to use this to fuel the anti asylum argument any further, because the fact is HIV and AIDS is not exclusive to any group in our society today.