<Dd> See also HIV / AIDS denialism in South Africa . </Dd> <P> On 9 July 2000, then President Thabo Mbeki opened the International AIDS Conference in Durban with a speech not about HIV or AIDS but about extreme poverty in Africa . In the speech, he confirmed his belief that immune deficiency is a big problem in Africa but that one can't possibly attribute all immune deficiency - related diseases to a single virus . </P> <P> On 4 September 2000, Thabo Mbeki acknowledged during an interview with Time Magazine (South African edition) that HIV can cause AIDS but confirmed his opinion that HIV should not be regarded as the sole cause of immune deficiency . He said: </P> <Dl> <Dd>... the notion that immune deficiency is only acquired from a single virus cannot be sustained . Once you say immune deficiency is acquired from that virus, your response will be anti-retroviral drugs . But if you accept that there can be a variety of reasons...then you can have a more comprehensive treatment response . </Dd> </Dl>

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