Hon Deputy Speaker, I would like to dedicate my speech to all those who have passed away from Aids-related illnesses including TB, and from TB. Furthermore, I salute all those that are infected and affected by the virus.
Aids is a story often told in numbers: 40 million infected with HIV, nearly 4,5 million this year alone; 12 million orphans in Africa; and 8 000 deaths and 6 000 new infections every single day. In some places, 90% of those infected with HIV do not know that they are HIV-positive. We have just learnt that Aids is set to become the third leading cause of death worldwide in coming years. These numbers are staggering and they help us to understand the magnitude of this pandemic. However, when repeated by themselves, statistics can also be numbing - they can hide individual stories and tragedies.
As we remember those infected and affected, we, as leaders, need to be re- energised to show political support and ensure that we do the right thing - not just through words, not just through symbolism, but through actions. We should work with drug companies to reduce the costs of generic antiretroviral drugs and work with developing nations to help them build the health infrastructure that is necessary to get sick people treated. This means more money for hospitals and medical equipment and more training for nurses and doctors.
We need a renewed emphasis on nutrition. Right now, we are finding that there are people on the drugs, who are getting treatment, but who are still dying because they don't have any food to eat. This is inexcusable, especially in countries that have sufficient food supplies.
The IFP supports all efforts to reduce and eradicate the scourge of HIV and tuberculosis from our land and continent. People must come forward and be tested. The time for silence is over. We need to deal with HIV and Aids and TB like any other illnesses. Let us rise up, remove the veil and be truthful to ourselves. I thank you. [Applause.]