A consortium of NGOs has challenged the South African government to legislate treatment for rape survivors who may have been exposed to HIV/Aids.
The consortium said in a statement on Sunday that the government has skirted the issue of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in advertisements dealing with gender violence and HIV/Aids.
”Preliminary results from visits by the NGOs to several clinics and hospitals around the country that will peak on World Aids Day [December 1] show that PEP is not well known nor widely administered,” the consortium said.
”According to the latest report of the South African Police Services, 45% of those arrested for rape are HIV-positive. The chances of getting the virus are greatly increased by any form of coerced sex.
”Ironically, as the Sixteen Days campaign [Act against Violence against Women] gains momentum, a critical clause providing for PEP is being quietly dropped from the Sexual Offences Bill being rushed through Parliament.”
The reasons given for dropping the section from the Act are that the treatment has not been budgeted for, as well as concern over litigation should the service not be immediately available to women who require it.
The consortium said this is a violation of women’s constitutional rights and challenged the government to reverse its decision. — Sapa