Aids drug battle to be settled in court
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The South African government could be taken to court over its refusal to give anti-retroviral drugs to HIV-positive mothers in childbirth
The South African government could be taken to court over its refusal to give anti-retroviral drugs to HIV-positive mothers in childbirth
Campaigners claimed yesterday that withholding the drugs - which are believed to reduce transmission of the virus - breaches the constitution. The widespread distribution to adults of life-prolonging anti-retrovirals is unlikely to happen in Africa because of the cost, but scientists claim newly-borns can be protected through a single dose of the drug AZT.
Mark Heywood, of the Aids Law Project in Johannesburg, said campaigners would ask the High Court to set a time limit for the government to implement a drug programme. He said: "Last year, the Health Minister was telling us she was committed to using AZT as long as the money could be found. Her successor said she was waiting for local trial results. On 12 July the results came through, and they were positive, but an announcement has not been forthcoming."
According to United Nations figures published last month, half of all South African teenagers will die of Aids-related illnesses.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments