THE effect of alcohol abuse on the prevalence of HIV/Aids is irrefutable, Western Cape Minister of Finance, Development and Tourism Alan Winde said yesterday.

“Today, December 1, is World Aids Day and marks one week until the public comment period for the new Western Cape Liquor Amendment Bill closes,” he said.

“The results of a recent study conducted in over 20 African countries showed that drinkers were 57% more likely to be HIV-positive than non-drinkers. Problem drinkers are 104% more likely to be HIV-positive.”

Winde said according to the latest recalculation of the Burden of Disease in South Africa, HIV was now the largest alcohol-related health consequence for women (for men, violence remains the largest health consequence of drinking). “When people drink, their inhibitions are generally lowered. The more drinks you have, the more irresponsible your behaviour. Studies show if a woman has more than two drinks, and a man more than three, there is an increased likelihood that she or he will have unprotected rather than protected sex.

“It might be very dangerous for your health if you have unprotected sex when you have been drinking.”

Winde said the cost of HIV/Aids to the provinces was huge. “Not only do we lose lives, but we also spend a large amount of our Health Department’s budget on anti- retroviral treatment. This is money that we could be spending on job creation or on education for our children.”

Comments on the Liquor Bill can be submitted to Kogie Pillay at kopillay@pgwc.gov.za, or at 021-4839498.