FXI is pleased to note the year 2000 has been a significant one regarding HIV/AIDS and access to information. Although it has come under heavy criticism at times, the press is to be hailed for its dogged determination to bring the debates surrounding the issue and government policy out into the open. Although this engagement between the media and government has at times been fractious, we would like to believe that it has led to greater transparency and government making decisions which it appeared to be delaying regarding its policy on the treatment of the disease. Cracks are also appearing in the wall of silence that has surrounded the issue as more and more people go public. This can only lead to the debunking of the destructive myths which surround the pandemic.

Workshops on freedom of expression and access to information conducted all over South Africa during the past year by FXI have also revealed that there is an overwhelming hunger for information. This featured particularly among students who felt that they needed more information to make choices which sometimes could mean the difference between life and death. FXI would once again like to encourage government to accelerate information dissemination on the prevention and confinement of HIV.

FXI has always been concerned with access to publicly and privately held information regarding available drugs for HIV pregnant women and the general treatment for those living with the virus, even if these drugs are not available in state hospitals. Whether the patients will be able to afford these drugs or not, they should have access to that information.

The National Patients Rights Charter, our Constitution and the International Treaties signed by the South African government, outline the rights of all patients in relation to their rights to information and access to health care. If the underprivileged do not enjoy these important rights, then their human rights are been violated.

Issued by Nanagolo Leopeng @ 011 403 8403