Tanzania 'needs $1bn to fight Aids'

Mkapa called for support for the fight against Aids

Tanzania's President Benjamin Mkapa says his country needs $1bn a year to fight Aids.

In an end of the month address, Mr Mkapa said his government would make anti-retroviral drugs available to all those infected with HIV.

Tanzania has an estimated three million Aids sufferers.

The president also urged pharmaceutical companies to support Tanzania's efforts to fight the disease.

"We must now rise up to the challenge and (take) collective responsibility for saving ourselves and our society from imminent extinction," said Mr Mkapa in his speech broadcast by state-owned radio and television.

"This is a very heavy burden for us because the amount (needed) is equivalent to the government's annual revenue collection," he added.

Tanzania has a GDP of $9.3bn.

President Mkapa said the best way to stem the spread of HIV/Aids was through a change of sexual habits.