HIV is not a gambling game-SAMA
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) is disappointed at the Western Cape Premier Helen Zille's unfortunate announcement of the "Get tested and Win campaign" and is urging the public to resist this temptation and not be enticed by politicians offering money for HIV/Aids testing.
Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Head of Public Sector Committee at the association said this campaign undermines the poor, medical professionals and all the hard work that has gone in de-stigmatising HIV in South Africa.
"We do not support this campaign which was done without consulting doctors and which is playing an unfortunate role in reducing the seriousness of HIV to a mere competition," she said.
Premier Zille is offering a R50 000 incentive to one lucky winner who will be tested at one of the province's testing points between November 28 and December 9.
"It is an inappropriate and medically unethical campaign that Premier Zille has started , and we will not stand by and watch her set us back in all the hard work that we have done in de-stigmatising HIV as medical professionals in South Africa," Said Ramathuba.