Aids deaths ‘same as terrorism’



25th September, 2001.

by Vicki Rothman

Port Elizabeth - Although the terrorist attacks in the US and the resulting loss of life has shocked and revolted the entire world, the fact that almost as many people die of Aids-related diseases on a weekly basis in South Africa pass unnoticed.

Speaking at a Heritage Day commemoration at the Humansdorp Cultural Centre, Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon said information released by the government suggests that almost the same number of people who died the attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York die every week in South Africa of Aids-related diseases.

"I call on all community leaders to educate the community over Aids.

"Remove the stigma HIV positive members of the community are burdened with and remove all myths surrounding the disease," Leon urged.