The SACC is deeply disturbed by the controversy and confusion generated by a series of advertisements, pamphlets and posters published over the past year by Dr. Matthias Rath. These publications contain claims about HIV and antiretroviral medications that are inconsistent with the most widely accepted medical evidence on these topics. They also grossly misrepresent the motivations and strategy of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). The confusion created by Dr. Rath's misleading medical claims and his unwarranted attacks on the TAC do not advance the interests of people living with HIV; they can only be interpreted as misguided strategies to promote Dr. Rath's own brand of nutritional supplements.

Dr Rath's advertisements assert that antiretroviral medications are toxic and that AIDS can be treated effectively with multivitamins. In March, the Advertising Standards Authority found these claims to be unsubstantiated and directed that the ads be withdrawn. However, at least three newspapers (The Sowetan, City Vision Cape Town, and The Mercury) failed to comply with the ASA ruling. Such blatant disregard for an ASA ruling is both irresponsible and unacceptable. We call on the media to respect the rulings of the ASA. We also urge The Sowetan and The Mercury to follow the example set by City Vision Cape Town, which has since published an apology and refused to run any further ads from Dr. Rath.

In light of the confusion and misinformation sown by Dr. Rath, the SACC wishes to reaffirm the following principles:

• Currently, antiretrovirals are the only clinically effective method of reversing the effects of HIV/AIDS. This is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the South African Medical Association. The Medicines Control Council is responsible for determining what medicines are safe and effective. It has registered many antiretrovirals, which means they should be considered safe and effective. The scientific evidence that they are effective is beyond reasonable doubt.


• The benefits of antiretroviral therapy far outweigh the risks. Antiretrovirals are not a cure for HIV, but a life-long treatment. Like all medications, antiretrovirals can produce unwanted side-effects in some patients. In rare circumstances these side-effects can be life-threatening. But, untreated, AIDS leads to death. Antiretrovirals have made it possible to stop viewing HIV infection as a "death sentence" and to start seeing it as a chronic, but manageable disease. This is why the 2004 Triennial Conference of the SACC welcomed government's decision to roll out antiretrovirals in public clinics and hospitals. Antiretrovirals are a potential lifeline for millions of South Africans. Dr. Rath's campaign is confusing people and undermining the government's treatment programme.


• Good nutrition is critical for people with HIV/AIDS. There is some evidence, albeit inconclusive, that nutritional supplements can help people with HIV. However, multivitamins and other nutritional supplements are not an adequate substitute for a wholesome and well-balanced diet. More important, most medical experts agree that nutritional supplements are not a substitute for antiretroviral treatment, so they should not be marketed as such by Dr. Rath. There is no evidence that, on their own, they can prolong life and improve health and well-being of people living with HIV as effectively as antiretrovirals can (where clinically indicated). Furthermore, public hospitals and clinics distribute multivitamins to people with HIV; there is no need for people to obtain these from Dr. Rath's clinics.

We urge SACC members to provide clear and accurate information on HIV prevention and treatment to their constituencies and the broader community and to address the confusion that Dr. Rath's ads have created. We also reaffirm our longstanding support for the TAC as an authentic voice for the concerns and interests of its membership, which includes many people living with HIV. We believe that the TAC is justified in taking legal action to restrain Dr. Rath from making further defamatory attacks.

For more information: Rev. Teboho Klaas, 011 241 7812 or 082 412 2960