Government Announces Reduction in Cost of ARVs

The South African government has negotiated with multinational pharmaceutical companies a plan to reduce prices of antiretroviral drugs by nearly half. The same 10 pharmaceutical firms that supply the medications will continue to do so, but with newly reduced prices, starting in January. Critics question the abrupt drop in price and whether refunds are warranted for previous high prices. With more than 5 million infected, South Africa has the largest total of people living with HIV. The price reductions of an array of drugs will double the numbers of South Africans receiving treatment, and potential treatment could increase numbers seeking testing. – YaleGlobal