Translating vision and strategies into the real

world: community perspective

Lihle Dlamini (Treatment Action Campaign, South Africa)

INTRODUCTION Civil society

organisation 10 December 1998

(Human Rights day) SA based in 7/9

provinces with over 53 Accredited branches (Support groups)

Programmes-PTL, CHA and PCR

STRATEGIES USED: Policy, communications and research Treatment literacy Community mobilisation Media Demonstrations (pickets, night vigils,

marches, sit-ins) Litigation

HOW WE DO TREATMENT LITERACY

Taking science into communities and support groupsHIV lifecycleART regimens, benefits and side effects PreventionsCommunity education

Drug lawsTrips and patentsDrug pricing- genericsFixed dose combinations

TREATMENT LITERACY TRAINING WORKSHOPS

COMMUNITY MOBILISATION Education

Support groups Churches Faith based

organisation Traditional healers NGOs Schools ClinicsDoor to door, ET and pamphlet distribution

Partnerships Clinics (clinic

committees) Civil society

organisations Traditional leaders Media Ward councillors AIDS councils Researchers Health care workers

COMMUNITY MOBILISATION

STUDYING THE LAW South African constitution sec 27:Health care, food, water and social security(1) Everyone has the right to have access to-

(a) Health care services, including reproductive health care;

(b) Sufficient food and water, and(c) Social security, including, if they are unable to

support themselves and their dependants, appropriate social assistance

(2) The state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realization of each of these rights; and

(3) No one may be refused emergency medical treatment.

STUDYING THE LAW CONT… National Health Act Promotion of Administrative Justice Act

(PAJA) Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) Promotion of Access to Information Act

(PAIA) Patent Laws

FIGHTING DENIALISM AND FALSE CURES

PLHIV DEMANDING ACCESS Closer health care

facilities Access to ART e.g.

PMTCT/ Rx plan Policy engagement

– SANAC Rx for OIs e.g.

Fluconazole-Amphotericin B

Reproductive health rights

HPTN 052 study resultsEarly treatment Importance of

adherence

CHALLENGING PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES

CHALLENGING OUR GOVERNMENT

CHALLENGING OUR GOVERNMENT

POLICY COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH

Equal treatment

District newsletters Letters to individuals, departments and

companies Petitions Outside electronic and print media South African National AIDS Council -

NSP

LITIGATING PMTCT case Annexure A of the Rx plan Westville inmates SASFU- Defence force Rath case

LITIGATING

RESULTS Adherence Prolonged lives Healthy lifestyles- “back to work” Knowing PLHIV and health rights Reduced drug prices Generic drug production Change in political will (Zuma & Motsoaledi) Addressing the health systems National strategic plan 1.4 million people on ART 12 million tested in 1 yr (i.4 mil +)

THE RESULTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Partners Researchers Health care workers Funders TAC staff Media

TAC Volunteers

BUT STILL … Better Rx regimens and FDC TB/HIV integration Early treatment Combating stigma Supporting recently diagnosed people Role in prevention Funding

Challenge the EU trade laws

BUT STILL … GLOBAL FUND

THANK YOU…