President-elect Obama Disagrees With Mbeki

In a speech given as part of a World AIDS Day 2006 visit to South Africa, President-elect Barack Obama publicly called out South Africa’s Minister of Health and his support of a holistic cure for HIV. The Minister repeatedly supported a cure of beet root, sweet potato, and lemon juice while so many men, women, and children in South Africa are going without life-saving HIV medications. In his speech Obama expressed his frustration with the Minister’s policy and urged for the South African government and its political leaders to set a "good example" in its approach to HIV and AIDS.

Related Information

• HIV Around the World – South Africa

• What is PEPFAR?

• Does the Fight Against AIDS Affect Other Health Related Battles?