Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 45 185 005 as of 11:56am on Thursday January 24 2002
Taken by surprise: Minister of Health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Lionel Mtshali’s announcement that the anti-retroviral nevirapine would be administered as an emergency measure in the province. Tshabalala-Msimang told journalists that Mtshali had not approached the Department of Health to discuss his concerns. Mtshali’s decision comes after doctors at some hospitals in the province ignored policy and began administering the drug to patients.
Increasing cases: Zambia is experiencing an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases caused by the prevalence of HIV/Aids. Dr Alwyn Mwinga, a tuberculosis specialist at Zambia’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, says the increase is almost five times greater than in the past 15 years.
Business obstacle: HIV/Aids is one the biggest obstacles to doing business in South Africa, says a survey conducted by the Centre for International and Comparative Politics at the University of Stellenbosh. Professor Hennie Kotze said that respondents ranked HIV/Aids, crime and corruption as the main obstacles, followed by education levels and financing. Responders included leaders from business, politics and unions.