The prominence of fruit and vegetables above anti-retroviral drugs on a South African stand has sparked controversy at Toronto’s international Aids conference.
An official at the stand said by displaying lemons, garlic and other fresh produce, the South African team was highlighting the importance of good nutrition as well as prophylaxis and drugs in treating Aids.
South Africa’s health minister has keenly encouraged a diet high in lemons and garlic as a means of combating the disease, on top of the drugs the government has provided since 2004.
However, this pro-nutritional approach was strongly criticised by other visitors to the event, who objected to the fact that the fruit and veg made an appearance on the stand significantly before the ant-retroviral drugs.
A paediatric Aids doctor from Soweto claimed no scientific evidence had as yet been found to prove any food products were effective in treating Aids or HIV.
