WC MEC of Health raises concern on HIV women sterilised without consultation

Jaimie-faith Poonah
12 June 2015

Western Cape MEC of Health Nomafrench Mbombo has raised her concern regarding an article which stated that over 500 women in the country were sterilised without their consent, because they were HIV positive.

MEC Mbombo said in a statement that no facility in the province has a policy that allows anyone to discriminate against any woman on the basis of her HIV status or sterilise anyone without their consent.

Ministerial Spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube said sterilising women without their consent on the basis of their HIV status is not just a health concern, but it is a Human Rights issue that cannot be taken lightly.

Gwarube said the Minister of Health, Nomafrench Mbombo has addressed the Eden District management to get to the bottom of these allegations, to find out whether there is anyway we can stress and verify these findings given to us by SANEC.

“While it may be difficult to investigate this matter, we will do everything possible to support the investigation the Nation Department of Health will conduct.” Gwarube added.