SA to get new anti-HIV drug

SA has one of the highest Aids infection rates in the world

South Africa's top medical control board has given approval for the sale of a new anti-HIV drug, despite recent remarks by President Thabo Mbeki casting doubts on its safety.

The drug, Combivir, includes the anti-retroviral AZT which attacks the HIV virus and so delays the onset of full-blown Aids.

SA Government doubts the safety of anti-retrovirals

AZT has been officially available only in the private sector since it was registered in South Africa about 10 years ago.

More than four million people in South African - around 10% of the population - are reportedly infected with the HIV virus.

High cost

Combivir joins a range of anti-AIDS drugs already on sale in South Africa - including some versions of AZT.

But the drug is unlikely to be available on the public health system because of its high cost.

Mbeki has cast doubt on link between HIV and Aids

Its makers, Glaxo Wellcome, hailed the decision as an endorsement of the drug's effectiveness.

The drug is currently used by around 3,000 South Africans who are either HIV-positive or pregnant, or health staff who are at risk of being infected at work.

President Mbeki stirred an international scientific and diplomatic controversy when he cast doubts on the safety of AZT and denied it to pregnant women and rape victims.

He has also sparked wide controversy by questioning the link between HIV and Aids.