If you know much about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, you know the name Manto. Actually, her full name is Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, and she’s South Africa’s controversial minister of health. Manto is known for making some pretty outrageous statements about the virus, including questioning whether HIV really causes AIDS, and recommending that people who are infected focus more on using natural remedies like garlic and beet root than proven HIV medication.

Sure, you could discount her as just another person making some crazy statements. But remember, this is a woman who oversees the health department of a country with 5.5 million HIV-positive people.

Manto is here in Toronto, but she’s been keeping an extremely low profile. She gets escorted in and out of session. Riot police stand guard when she is in the room. She avoids the press at all cost.

This morning, the protesters went after her. In the middle of the morning’s largest session, about 20 people lined the stage, silently holding signs that said “Fire Manto Now.” Manto sat just yards from them. Even when the session moderator, CNN’s Sanjay Gupta, asked is anyone from the health minister’s office wanted to respond to the protesters, she said no, instead letting a low level program coordinator face criticism.

Check out this article for more on Manto’s time in Toronto.

Get Weekly Deals | Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe and get two weeks free | Place an Ad