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AFRICA: Low-cost AIDS drugs resold in European markets

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

JOHANNESBURG, 5 May (PLUSNEWS) - A British pharmaceutical company is under investigation after allegations that it illegally obtained anti-AIDS drugs intended for HIV-positive people in Africa.

According to a BBC report, this was one of several cases where antiretrovirals donated to African countries were being diverted to markets in developed nations, where huge profits were subsequently made. The report charged that some drugs had even ended up in the British National Health Service.

Corrupt traders who block shipments and sell the drugs back to European countries are being blamed for the illegal traffic in anti-AIDS medicines.

In an effort to crack down on what it describes as "AIDS profiteers", drug giant GlaxoSmithKline recently announced plans to alter its AIDS-drug packaging and change the colour of the pills it provides to developing countries.

[ENDS]

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