Zackie Achmat, a prominent AIDS activist that leads the Treatment Action Campaign has said that the deaths of 330,000 people are on the hands of former South African President Thabo Mbeki. This adds onto the list of criticisms against Mbeki. So far, the most prominent of recent criticisms was Mbeki’s handling of the Zimbabwe crisis as the mediator.
Mbeki resigned a few months ago back in September after no longer having the support of the ANC in parliament. Even after resigning, Mbeki continues to be on the receiving end of political criticism.
So far, a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health said that the 330,000 deaths back in 1999 were triggered by a decision Mbeki made. That decision was to deem all available drugs toxic and dangerous.
Achmat attacked Mbeki for ignoring the information. Researchers said that Mbeki at the time failed to get out the drugs that could prevented the infection from the mothers to their children. As a result, almost 35,000 children were born HIV-positive.
Overall, the blood of 330,000 is pretty much on the hands of Mbeki. This could add to the further criticisms against Mbeki while in office and out of office.