For the first time, the voice of those that carry the greatest burden of HIV infection, the people of the developing world and Africa, in particular, was heard. HIV infects or affects all of us, irrespective of race, class, status, political affiliation or educational level. The benefits to be derived from the free exchange of views by people from divergent backgrounds cannot be over-emphasised. The process will benefit from the contribution of ordinary men and women. We must never commit the mistake of closing our minds to possible solutions or assume that certain sections of our society have nothing to contribute.
Nothing can be more suicidal.
As we proceed in our endeavour to curb this epidemic, we must also have the courage to challenge conventional wisdom, should the need arise. Clearly, Africa needs to map out its own response to this. I reiterate government's view that it is inappropriate to blame everything around this epidemic on the HI virus. Clearly, the relationship between HIV and other social ills afflicting our society such as poverty and disease, particularly TB and STDs, is complex. We reaffirm our view that a comprehensive response in our country needs to recognise this reality.