Zille’s HIV campaign slammed by medical group

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane

Published Nov 29, 2011

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THE SA Medical Association (Sama) has slammed Premier Helen Zille controversial Get tested and Win HIV campaign as “medically unethical” and has demanded she withdraw it.

The association said yesterday it was disappointed in Zille’s “unfortunate announcement” of a competition where members of the public could win R50 000 or one of five R10 000 prizes.

It was launched last week.

Sama head of the public sector committee Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the campaign undermined the poor, medical professionals and the hard work done to de-stigmatise HIV.

“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,” his statement read.

The draw for the competition’s prizes will be made on December 10.

A number of testing sites have been set up across the province.

Ramathuba questioned what would happen after the final draw.

He said people should be encouraged to get tested for their own health and not for money.

“The campaign sends out an inappropriate message that HIV is only among the poor and we all know that this disease is non-discriminatory,” he said.

Zille said Sama’s characterisation of the campaign was based on misunderstanding.

“The accusation is spurious and ill-informed.

“Thoroughly considered medico-legal advice was taken in designing this campaign to ensure it complied to standards of medical ethics,” Zille said last night.

Patient confidentiality was guaranteed, participation was entirely voluntary and the form used for the draw entry was separate from health information gathered during counselling and testing, she said.

“What is completely outrageous and unethical is a call, by Sama no less, for people to boycott a HIV testing campaign and effectively saying they must not get tested.

“After years of work done in public education and awareness-raising for people to get tested, it is nothing short of destructive for an organisation meant to be a respected medical authority to issue public statements that go against the message for people to go for HIV testing,” Zille said.

“Because persuasion has had limited success, the provincial government is trying the route of incentives to ensure all adults regularly test their HIV status.” - Cape Times

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