MEMBERS STATEMENT

HONOURABLE DR. USHA ROOPNARAIN
SHADOW MEC FOR HEALTH
KWAZULU NATAL: 25 NOVEMBER 2011

IFP IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CLOSURE OF TAC

THE Inkatha Freedom Party is concerned about the closure of Treatment Action Campaign (TAC).

"TAC has done exemplary work in campaigning to save the lives of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and TB. In the 12 years since it was established, TAC has helped to educate, empower and embrace those affected and infected by the HIV/AIDS virus, said Dr Usha Roopnarain, IFP Shadow MEC for Health.

The IFP is disturbed that TAC is faced with a threat of imment closure due to a dire funding crisis. IFP has noted the work of TAC and is proud that TAC has internationally been one of the most influential AIDS activist movement, an organization that has catalysed action on HIV/AIDS across the world.  

"TAC has educated, empowered and embraced those affected and infected by the HIV/AIDS virus. TAC has also contributed to the deepening of democracy in South Africa, through its use of the courts, advocacy and promotion of human rights constitutionalism," said Dr Roopnarain.

TAC depends on a five year grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) for a large portion of its work.. However primarily due to poor administration by the Primary Recipient, the National Department of Health, the payment of the tranche to all sub-recipients continues to be delayed. Thus TAC faces a serious cash flow problem primarily because of the delays with the national dept of health.

The IFP calls on the Minister of health to intervene and ensure the work of this award winning movement continues.

Issued by the IFP KwaZulu-Natal, November 25 2011

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