Aids-related deaths in South Africa: 1 788 230 at noon on Wednesday May 17 2006
HIV/Aids organisations in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, have warned people to be on the lookout for individuals selling fake antiretrovirals (ARVs).
Doctors have been shown ARV capsules filled with maize meal, bought by unsuspecting members of the public at prices far lower than the market rate.
According to Median Dube, an outreach officer with the Matabeleland Aids Council, fake ARVS are available at concessionary prices at flea markets around the city. He said information gathered during interviews with clients suggested the illegal trade in this medication was expanding, and blamed the problem on the lack of ARVs in the public health sector.
Deputy Health Minister Edwin Muguti said he had heard of the reports but the ministry had yet to investigate.
Source: PlusNews