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AFRICA: Slashed AIDS drug prices praised

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

JOHANNESBURG, 27 October (PLUSNEWS) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has applauded a move by the US-based Clinton Foundation to slash the price of anti-AIDS medicines in developing countries.

Former US president Bill Clinton recently announced that his foundation had reached an agreement with four leading multinational manufacturers on major price reductions for HIV/AIDS drugs in Africa and the Caribbean.

WHO director-general Lee Jong-wook praised the news, saying the delivery of better treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries was "the most urgent health challenge the world faces."

However, Dr Paulo Teixeira, WHO director of HIV/AIDS, warned that further price reductions were vital for countries to be able to provide treatment to those who need it.

WHO aims to provide antiretroviral therapy to three million people in poor countries by the end of 2005.

[ENDS]

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