Tuesday, November 21, 2006

She’s baaaaaaack.

And haven’t I missed her! It has been a long tough couple of weeks with logic and forward-movement ruling over the good old world of ‘HIV and AIDS Ravaging SA’. But now our dear Minister Manto is healthy again, and not only is she up and running, but she is talking to the media. Excellent!

Well less the media than she is leaving pronouncements on the ANC Today website. Still it is public, and so there is room for misinterpretation, as well as perfect interpretation, (which made me slightly tense at her arrogance and inability to ever admit fault!!).

I don’t know who they allowed near her during her weeks in a private room in a public hospital or during her home bed rest but obviously it was someone fairly intelligent. For once, the media are reporting that my dear Manto has been speaking some sense on the HIV and AIDS topic, although still in her biased victimised tone:

The government and the ANC had faced severe attacks in their efforts to ensure that the global response to HIV and Aids took into consideration the peculiar challenges facing the African continent.
(Half of this holds true – the part that there are unique challenges facing the African continent/ developing countries when responding to the AIDS epidemic. Our government’s efforts have been completely misguided on many fronts, but have tried to use the uniqueness as an excuse for punting dangerous ideas and treatments.)

"We were all expected to follow the route taken by developed countries of the North in responding to HIV and Aids. (Have we been expected to follow their route??? No. We’ve been expected to follow logical scientifically researched routes.) For them, the challenge of HIV and Aids has been perceived as a problem affecting marginalised communities such as immigrants, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users," she said.

With more resources at their disposal and more sophisticated social and health systems, antiretroviral drugs -- which were introduced into the market at a very high price -- became the main element of the response of the developed world.

In under-developed Africa on the other hand, HIV and Aids was affecting the general population. The continent had very weak health and social systems and limited resources to meet the needs of its populations.

They faced social challenges including unemployment and lack of access to basic services, such as water, sanitation, education and housing. Even before HIV infection, their health was already compromised by poor nutrition and a lack of access to basic health services.


Yes, yes, good. Treating HIV and AIDS in the developing world is different to treating it in a first world where infrastructure is already in place and working well. One would think then putting infrastructure in place as soon as possible in SA would be a priority. One can hope then that Manto’s utterances here could prompt this. Ha! Let’s rather blame the West and seek the easy options – African potatoes and unchecked traditional medicines as being THE ONLY options.

So, of course, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, she still had some complete nonsense to sprout….

Nutrition is critical in prolonging progression from HIV infection to development of AIDS defining conditions. It is also critical in enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatment. (Yes. Good. Good. Keep Going.) Unfortunately, others chose to interpret this simple and straight-forward statement as suggesting that nutrition might be an alternative to treatment. It is not.

Aaah, No. No. My dear lady, while I realise you are reaching an age where you are becoming forgetful, let me assure you that you have been very vocal in your ideas of nutrition being an alternative to scientifically tried & tested medicines.

All HIV and AIDS fighters have always been well aware and put forward the idea that nutrition is an important support for a person with HIV or AIDS, so to improve his/her health & live longer. You were not the only person championing such an idea. You were the one denying ARVs and so denying your electorate life-saving treatments.

A group of fellow South Africans had teamed up with their partners at the occasion of the International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Canada to portray our government as uncaring and indifferent to the plight of its own electorate - the very people who reaffirmed their confidence in the ANC by giving it a close to 70% majority in the general elections two years ago.

Please, my dear ANC and government, just stop allowing this woman to speak on this subject. She has dug herself into a hole. Leave her there to ponder silently on this subject or hopefully on the subject of smoking. Keep up the good work of allowing recent AIDS fighting developments to run their course and hopefully lead to all the people who are desperate for treatment and information being able to access it

The TAC are still calling for Tshabalala-Msimang to be fired.

In other news: Today UNAIDS releases their annual Epidemic Updates for the world. Look out for it. Always fascinating. UPDATE: It seems there is some confusion over this this year, and that the report might only be released on December 1st. I guess we'll know by midnight tonight.

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

The problem with dear old Manto is that she is never prepared to admit that she is/was wrong. Thus all her comments and measures will try to defend her position, not apologise and move on. If she cannot concede that she might have been mistaken then she will never be able to adequately deal with the AIDS pandemic in this country.

Champagne Heathen said...

Unfortunately, the exact same can be said about our president!!

(What the hell is up with the word verification today... I feel like I am doing mensa eye tests with all these tiny letters!)

Revolving Credit said...

If they won't fire her, can't they just keep her in the hospital ward locked up and well medicated.

PS. So how was the pitch rolling and hedge trimming? You never know whether someone will be wanting to play a friendly day-night game this weekend.

ChewTheCud said...

lol - you can always turn the verification off champers ;P

rev, how did you manage to get onto cricket from chocolate covered snatch anyway? do you even like cricket? it does have some sweet inuendo though - you forgot to ask if the pitch had good bounce ;P

Champagne Heathen said...

Boys, unless you wake up in bed next to someone, surely sex talk is like alcohol and should be reserved until a civilised hour - like 11am. I have a meeting from now until then, so in the meantime, gather your crickets & gardening puns & I will see you on the other hour of decent.

Rev - I had thought that was their general plan. It seems that Jo'burg Gen, like C-Max, is not in-escapable.

Anonymous said...

Weird. My blood seems to be boiling. So I'm going to ask a couple of questions. She's back, better. Why was she in hospital in the first place? And why is it that she's suddenly decided to back peddle? She's now coming across as a complete bigoted hypocrit. It does not matter what she says now, it's what she's done to people all over the country up to this point that really counts.

ChewTheCud said...

ok guys - how bout we have a "keep it clean" day just for champers? ok not guys - rev are you with me on this? think we can manage? ;P

Anonymous said...

You'll bore her to tears if you "keep it clean"
What are you thinking, Chew?

ChewTheCud said...

ha - every now and then champers gets conservative on the blogging front. Just trying to keep the dame happy ;P

Unknown said...

Ah yes, good ol' Manto. Gives a whole new meaning to mouth meets foot.
Insane Insomniac here - Lollipop is my younger sibling wanting a blog of her own. so i gave her one. read it?

Revolving Credit said...

"keep it clean"???

First Champs goes off to trim her pitch and now it seems that Chewy wants to wash his Y-fronts right here on the blog.

Anyone else want to 'air' their dirty laundry?

Champagne Heathen said...

Jams - she was reported to have a lung infection. This has led to unconfirmed speculation of TB...a possible sign of AIDS.

She is in such denial, that she even denies putting forward statements & ideas that have been detrimental to the people of SA, and rather claims accomplishments of her enemies...getting cheap generics into this country.

At least she has been sidelined well enough for now, so we should be ok, and so able to laugh at her.

Chews - you've stunned Rev into silence on such a prospect apparently!

Jam - don't encourage them!! I am after all a very good clean prim & proper girl :)

Chews (again) - clean & conservative. That's me!! (And let's just keep up this image while we have guests....)

....Hey Lolly & Big Sis II, I checked out your blog. Welcome & all. And remember, the best way to get readers' is to link me to your site!! Caus I rock. Actually, that goes for all of you dodgy readers who have yet to link me, so improve my ranking, so make me love you more...

Champagne Heathen said...

Rev - how am I airing my underwear? I thought I wasn't even wearing any if I was "maintaining the grounds".

Anonymous said...

Sure Champs, clean and chaste.






*ahem*

ChewTheCud said...

If rev and i weren't here I'm sure you'd just be a little angel champers ;)

Revolving Credit said...

Champs, you said :
'The covers will remain on for now. And players of the opposing team have been forced to test their batting for themselves in the practice nets. '

Are you removing the covers to air the ..umm..pitch??

Champagne Heathen said...

Jam - it's good to see you agree with me & general public consensus!

Do you need something for that cough? I hope you aren't getting sick!

Chews - Exactly! It is you guys putting words in my mouth!! Or rather twisting everything I say (like Rev's next comment). It WOULD be all angelic around here if it was just me & my own mind & devices! Happy to see you realise this!

Rev - between yesterday & today the covers have required lifting on a few occasions. A pitch requires airing every once in awhile to ensure it stays in a playable moist condition, while not becoming to damp from rainy weather conditions.

However, this does not mean it is ready for test matches yet. Conditions are highly dependant on several critical factors before play can commence.

Anonymous said...

Like games against the French?

Revolving Credit said...

Champs - 'It is you guys putting words in my mouth!!'

* giggle,giggle,giggle *

Ok, Chewy, your word for the day is
'Phallus'

ChewTheCud said...

angelic? ha! you just put up what could be construed to be one of the nastiest posting on my blog yet champers. just wait till rev gets hold of it.

ChewTheCud said...

rev - your word for the day may as well be "teabag"

Anonymous said...

Ever get that awful feeling at work when you realise it's only 2 in the afternoon and you have to endure ANOTHER three hours with only the filthy three to keep you company???

ChewTheCud said...

it could be someones at work, or it could be the 3 bloggeteers.....

Revolving Credit said...

Surely she's not calling you filthy Chewy, especially after you just washed you Y-fronts.

Anonymous said...

hehehehehe

Champagne Heathen said...

What is going on in this place?!?! I go off grocery shopping, to do battle with old Jewish ladies for the last bottle of gin in Spar's fake side bottle store, and I'm getting called dirty cause of daily threesome, while Chews makes Rev a cuppa tea!

Jam, as for the French team, I'll just requote myself from Rev's comments yesterday: "Unfortunately the series against the french has already been delayed due to their prior commitments in European tournaments". Typical french & their inability to commit!

Chews - I did what all over your blog now?!?

Rev - I see you have Jam giggling now too!

ChewTheCud said...

you know you did. don't play coy with me missy ;P

Revolving Credit said...

Phallus,Phallus,Phallus,Phallus
..umm...Teabag

Champagne Heathen said...

Chews - I know I did, but what did I DO???

Rev - are you creating a song? Some background music to accompany the porn talk perhaps?

Anonymous said...

Hehehehehe.

Revolving Credit said...

No, just putting words in your mouth.

(What the fucks up with the word verification on this Beta Blogger.
I don't have hebrew keys on my keyboard??)

Champagne Heathen said...

But I like the words that are already in my mouth. Much smoother to the ear.

(Dumb blogger beta doesn't do ANYTHING betta!!! Still causing me trouble!)

ChewTheCud said...

its called a beta for a reason champers. steer clear till its v2.0 ;P

rev looking for words to rhyme with phallus?

you wanna nibble on an ear now champers? fine by me ;P

Revolving Credit said...

well the last words out your moutn were 'porn talk perhaps? '

Draw your own conclusions.

(I'm getting better at hebrew)

Champagne Heathen said...

The only rhyming word I can think of is "Callus" *shiver*.

My ear lobes aren't long enough Chews.

Rev, you have to start reading the whole sentence, not just starting at the first word in the sentence that appeals to you!

(Rev, pass that hebrew keyboard over this way!)

ChewTheCud said...

callous & malice also rhyme. not nice words though.

can't reach your ears? never fear champers - you can nibble on mine anyday ;)

Revolving Credit said...

I once met a girl from Dallas called Alice who worked as one of those bank tellers, She liked to drink from wine my cellars out of my chalice when visiting my Palace

Revolving Credit said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Revolving Credit said...

We could go to the pub and discuss it over a couple of Stella's

Champagne Heathen said...

I once met a guy called Revolvin'
who took great trouble in solvin’
The hot air up my covers
In the hope it meant I had some lovers
But sadly there was not even a dolphin!

ChewTheCud said...

ok champs - if you can't rhyme a word i sincerely recommend you don't just use something random like "dolphin". unless you into something we don't wanna know about. WARNING

Champagne Heathen said...

A couple of Stellas sound great right now! How about that gorgeous cocktail bar next to Blues, the name of which I always forget. Or that sushi joint in Muille Point?

Or are you trying to say you are actually in our town??

ChewTheCud said...

The word you're loking for is zoophilia! shame on you champers - i had no idea this stuff existed! you dirty dirty girl!

Revolving Credit said...

There once was a lady call Champs
who seemed a bit hot in the pants.
Her pitch was all dry
cause the men were all shy,
so I sent her nipples some clamps.

Champagne Heathen said...

Chews - a dolphin is like a rabbit is like the bushwacker often mentioned over at Peas' blog.

As always, mine was the sweeter, more innocent version!

Champagne Heathen said...

Rev, I will be checking my post box in anticipation!

Chews - if I said it was for my job that I know about such stuff, would you believe me?

ChewTheCud said...

I might belive you're innocent champs. I'm sure butter wouldn't melt in your mouth.... hmmmmm....

*shake* where was I? oh yeah. So you don't even have one of these 'dolphins" you refer to? shame! need a substitute?

Revolving Credit said...

PS. Chews, take your knob out the butter dish.

ChewTheCud said...

stop trying to eat that tuna rev! :)

Revolving Credit said...

Nothing wrong with a bit of sushi.

Champs, will post it, just send address!

Champagne Heathen said...

Chews - it's ok, I have a magnum double decadent chocolate to keep me happy for now. A little easier to melt than butter.

And if it that won't solve it, I will pinpoint the problem and circle around it with much thought until I come to some enlightening conclusion.

Rev, you trying to get me all hot & bothered and that way get your stalker attempts to slip me by??

Revolving Credit said...

A stalkers work is never done.

Have I got you all hot & bothered?
Go dance in the rain a bit.

ChewTheCud said...

ok champers now has something to suck and lick for the next while. that should keep her occupied ;P Till next the need strikes her!

Revolving Credit said...

I think she's out dacing in the rain.

Is it still raining in Jozi?

Champagne Heathen said...

Rev, no rain, it's all dry, that might be unfortunately why I realised you were on stalker mode.

Chews - suck, lick and bite. I am an impatient ice cream eater!

ChewTheCud said...

ooooooh ;)

Revolving Credit said...

Serious note, almost, for 2 seconds.

Champs, you mentioned the hot & bothered and it got me to thinking:
How the hell do people actually have on-online/virtual sex without laughing their ass off every 5 seconds.

'OOoo baby, oooo baby'

I know champs would advocated it as the safest sex about, but do you have to sit on you pc and feel the harddrive spin to give you some sensation.

Maybe thats why Jam is devastated by the hdd failure...

Oh well, just a thought

Champagne Heathen said...

Before even not laughing at the talk ("Oh yes, oh yes, mmmm, yeah, oooo") how do people even manage to type AND keep up the convo between them?!?! That takes a lot of one handed typing.

So safest AND most practical way would have to be hands-free cell phone kit.

Now there's a thought for you as you guys drive home this evening!

Revolving Credit said...

Chewy, was it you who posted the USB vibrator, plugs right into you port and buzzes as you work??


Probably just the thing.

Champagne Heathen said...

Aaaah, finally technology makes sense to me!

ChewTheCud said...

lol - its called a webcam people ;P Yup - I think i posted that usb vibrator in peas blog somewhere. you need one rev?

Revolving Credit said...

I could picture you jumping out your seat each time an email arrives.

I thinking I should augment the Stalker book with an insert (pardon the pun):

'The do's and don'ts on Keyboard Sex'

Revolving Credit said...

No, I think Champs would love one.
Does it come in Decadent Chocolate flavour

Champagne Heathen said...

I think Chews is trying to hint at something, with that webcam comment.

And considering I get an email each time someone posts a comment on here...Oooo that would be 65 buzzes so far today!

I think it needs to be a book on its own entirely. Remember, we are aiming to make millions here, not be a charity to every stalker & his fantasy!

Champagne Heathen said...

Sorry, make that 67 times. *OooOOOooOooo Mmmmmmmm*

(I am learning keyboard sex talk)

Revolving Credit said...

You could honestly say that reading all your email completely tired you out.

Maybe we should find a similar bluetooth attachment for your phone.

'The Bluetooth Vaginal Vibrator'
'Wel Cum to the world of SMS'

Revolving Credit said...

Just get a pleasure key on your keyboard (you don't actually need that windows key)

When you're bored, just hit the key.
Or get a 3 button mouse, since windows does not use the 3rd button, map it to the vibra friend.

click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...click...

Champagne Heathen said...

Rev, I think all that clicking just short circuited my commenting page!! Well done! Quite an achievemeeeeentttyasdtad for a daaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiysysysys worrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrk.....................................................................................................

(Sorry, I kept forgetting such a key is not yet installed on my computer)

Revolving Credit said...

Champs, I think I found your 'ON' switch.

click...click...click...click...click...
click...click...click...click...click...
click...click...click...click...click...
click...click...

Champagne Heathen said...

Oooh baby, Oooooh baby! On this note I am outta here, to go and burn off some energy at the gym!

Try be good in here now!

Revolving Credit said...

click...click...click...click...click...
click...click...click...click...click...
click... HOW DO YOU TURN THIS THING OFF click...click...click...click...

BYE click...click...click...

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Itsnopicknick said...

helloooo! um respiratory infection...the lady has it and she's realised that beetroot ain't gonna cure it no matter how much she believes it. did i just make a faux pas?...did i just say lady?? he he

Champagne Heathen said...

Ha Ha Spoon!! Yeah, the conspiracy theories are out and about on her & her illness. But I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, so I hope they are all just conspiracy theories.

Welcome home!!! You were missed!

I am also impressed to see you got through all this posting's commenting unscathed!