Another Mbeki attack on ARVs
15 March 2016 - 02:44
Former president Thabo Mbeki has fired another salvo at antiretrovirals, saying the government is spending too much on the drugs. Last week he said US drug firms were selling ARVs to Africa as a way to make money. But most ARVs used in South Africa are produced locally and cheaply.Mbeki said it was wrong that 16% of the health budget was spent on HIV treatment, as he said the disease accounts for just 5% of deaths.Health economist Gesine Meyer-Rath said: "The spending on HIV in 2013 was 7% of health expenditure, not 16%, and less than 1% of total government expenditure."..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.