The death of Aids-infected Nozipho Bhengu was unnecessary and premature, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) said on Wednesday.
”She had the means to afford the best medicine, care and nutrition,” the TAC said in a statement. ”It is highly likely that she would still be alive and well today if she had chosen to take anti-retroviral treatment when she developed Aids.”
The daughter of KwaZulu-Natal politician Ruth Bhengu, Nozipho (32) died in hospital on Friday. Declared HIV-positive in 1998, her status was made public by her mother in May 2001.
Nozipho was a keen follower of the controversial lemon and garlic diet for at least three years, at one stage even claiming: ”It works, I’m the scientific proof.”
The TAC said it respects people’s right to choose the course of treatment they follow, but many of them are vulnerable and open to exploitation.
”While certain herbal and other remedies may alleviate Aids symptoms, no evidence yet exists to show they are equally safe and effective alternatives to anti-retroviral medicines,” the TAC said.
”This is what people must know and base their HIV/Aids treatment decisions on. The science on anti-retrovirals is established.”
Nozipho is to be buried on Saturday after a funeral service at the Plessislaer College Hall at Imbali township in Pietermaritzburg at 10am. — Sapa