Ugandan Government to Provide Free Anti-AIDS Drugs

Ugandans with HIV/AIDS will have access to antiretroviral drugs free of charge under a new government plan, the state-run newspaper New Vision reported on Monday. Francis Omaswa, director general of medical services from the Ministry of Health, was quoted as saying that the government is working on a policy to ensure that HIV/AIDS treatment is free. Omaswa said most of those infected with HIV/AIDS have not been able to afford the expensive antiretroviral drugs, which is why the disease has continued to rank high among killer diseases. Omaswa said for now, the government can only make sure the antiretroviral drugs are available in most regional hospitals at affordable prices, adding that in two years' time, the government will provide universal treatment for HIV/AIDS.

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