Anti-AIDS Drugs to Be Provided to Infected Teachers in South Africa

Members of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) who have HIV/AIDS may soon have access to antiretroviral drugs, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Sunday. More than 700 South African teachers died last year from AIDS-related illnesses, most younger than 40. The report quoted the SADTU saying it would start negotiating with drug companies for access to medications because it was concerned about long absenteeism and teachers' deaths due to HIV/AIDS. The government has refused to provide HIV/AIDS drugs, which it says are toxic. Willie Madisha, president of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), said the SADTU will set aside an undisclosed sum to purchase the drugs. At least one other COSATU-affiliated union -- the South Africa Clothing and Textile Workers Union -- may also introduce antiretrovirals in its HIV/AIDS program next year, according to the report.

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