Aids activist attacks govt
By Jennifer Bakyawa
March 2, 2004
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KAMPALA – An HIV/Aids activist has attacked government for failing to provide Ugandans with anti-retroviral drugs. Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga of the National Guidance and Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/Aids in Uganda said government should not talk about projections it cannot achieve. “It [government] talks about free medication for people with Aids, but where is it?” he asked. “Is it possible?” Ruranga was addressing an Action Group for Health, Human Rights and HIV/Aids Uganda symposium held at the Uganda Manufacturer's Association showgrounds at Lugogo on Friday. “You cannot lead people who are dying tomorrow and think you are a leader,” he said. “It is cheaper to provide drugs instead of waiting for 80 percent of hospital beds to be filled with Aids patients.” He said Africa, like Brazil, should be able to manufacture (generic) Aids drugs. He said this has not been possible yet because African leaders seem to have been bribed by multinational pharmaceuticals not to produce the drugs for fear of loss of profit. “We are being led by proxy,” he said. He said there are several misconceptions surrounding Aids drugs. He said when taken properly, the drugs delay the onset of Aids. Last year, government announced plans to provide Aids drugs to about 150,000 Ugandans. There are an estimated 1.1 million Ugandans living with HIV/Aids and 15,000 are receiving the drugs. |
© 2004 The Monitor Publications
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