Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 46 077 576 at 10.30am on Wednesday March 27 2002.
The health minister and seven MECs are to petition the Constitutional Court for leave to appeal against a compulsion order issued by the Pretoria High Court. The order says nevirapine must immediately be provided to HIV-positive pregnant women where feasible, pending a Constitutional Court hearing on the matter on May 2 and 3.
Coalescing: An array of companies under the aegis of the South African Business Coalition on HIV/Aids. The intention is to set up a pool of expertise that will empower the private sector to deal with HIV/Aids in the workplace.
Breaking the law: Young men in Limpopo villages who are having sex with goats, claiming they are afraid to sleep with women for fear of contracting HIV/Aids. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals urged anyone with information to come forward so that the men could be prosecuted.
Launched: A five-year programme led by Britain and five African nations to find an effective cream to prevent infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The programme will include South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon and Zambia.