S. African Touts Garlic for AIDS

Stressing the benefits of olive oil, garlic and beet root, South Africa’s health minister insisted Thursday that good nutrition was just as important as antiretroviral medicines for people infected with HIV and said her government would not be pressured into meeting U.N. treatment targets.

Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has long been accused by health activists of not doing enough to combat AIDS and resisting the use of anti-AIDS drugs.

“I don’t want to be pushed or pressurized by a target of 3 million people on antiretrovirals by 2005,” the health minister said at a news conference, referring to the global target set by the World Health Organization and UNAIDS. She also said that far too little was known about the side effects of the drugs.

“Raw garlic and a skin of the lemon -- not only do they give you a beautiful face and skin, but they also protect you from disease,” she said. Her critics call her Dr. Garlic.

Studies have demonstrated that although good nutrition is important for HIV patients in boosting their overall health, it is medication that keeps them alive and can help them thrive.

South Africa leads the world in HIV infection.