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ZAMBIA: Clinics roll out free AIDS drugs

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

JOHANNESBURG, 6 July (PLUSNEWS) - Free anti-AIDS drugs are being dispensed at four clinics in Zambia's capital, Lusaka, as part of continued government efforts to scale up treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS.

While welcoming the recent development, a local NGO, the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NZP+) also urged the rapid expansion of treatment to rural areas where many people were equally in need.

Health Minister, Brian Chituwo was quoted by The Times of Zambia as saying: "We had to start with Lusaka because we had to start where the prevalence was highest."

Chituwo noted that staff training was already underway at additional health centres in the capital, and more AIDS drugs would be dispensed within weeks.

[ENDS]

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