Gauteng Premier David Makhura (L) and MEC for Health Dr Gwen Ramokgopa (R) are interacting with Palesa Pruda's newborn son at the Tshwane District Hospital where they visited to congratulate mothers of new-born babies admitted in the maternity ward in celebration of Mother’s Day, 13 May 2018, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
When assessing the impact of the Jacob Zuma years, it is easy to focus on corruption and to see the previous administration of Thabo Mbeki as much better. We forget, so easily, about the destruction to human lives caused by that administration’s policy on Aids. At least Zuma’s years saw the widespread distribution of antiretroviral drugs.
What also occurred, from a health perspective, was the implementation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission strategy (PMTCT). Pregnant women were encouraged to get tested for HIV early to avoid spreading the disease to infants.
Before the strategy, babies with HIV often died within the first six months of life, but prevention is now reversing that.
According to statistics released this week, infant mortality has dropped dramatically – from 48% of every 1 000 births in 2002 to 32% last year.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi attributes this to the PMTCT strategy and overall improved healthcare.
That is a major achievement and one worth celebrating – no matter which administration was responsible.
Government and the citizens of South Africa have a responsibility to care for and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
And they don’t get more vulnerable than babies.
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