Hon Deputy Speaker, the recent declaration by the United Nations titled "Uniting for universal access: towards zero new HIV infections" is critical for us in South Africa, especially those of us from KwaZulu-Natal, which is the centre of the Aids pandemic. I think this is long overdue. The prevention revolution should have been implemented a long time ago, with self-empowerment being the key to its success. We believe that the HIV response faces a moment of truth. Currently, the HIV epidemic by far outpaces the response.
We need to unleash this revolution. The UN chief, Ban Ki-moon, also recommended working with countries to make HIV programmes more cost- effective, efficient and sustainable; promoting the health, human rights and dignity of women and girls; and ensuring mutual accountability in the Aids response to translate commitment into action. The IFP is in support of all this, but we want targets that are realisable and urgent health priorities to be met. Too many children are orphaned by HIV and Aids. We are 30 years into the pandemic and need a renewed and energised response.
The report, based on data from 182 countries, highlighted that the global rate of new HIV infections is declining, treatment access is expanding and the world has made significant strides in reducing HIV transmission from mother to child. In some parts of the world, particularly parts of sub- Saharan Africa, Aids remains an overriding emergency.
As we debate this issue, we need to realise that many cannot take treatment simply because of lack of access. We need to be innovative to set realisable and responsible goals. We must remain clear that prevention is the cornerstone of any effective and sustainable response.
There is no reason for children to be born with HIV, because we know how treatment for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission works. However, before the roll-out of nevirapine could become a reality for the women of KwaZulu-Natal, the former premier, Dr L P H Mtshali, had to successfully challenge the government in the Constitutional Court. And we need to continue the investment in research and development to develop new products such as microbicides.
Now, more than ever, we must do all we can to rein in this terrible disease. This will only be possible with committed political will, leadership and access to treatment. [Applause.]