Swazi Aids drugs running low

2011-06-28 21:31

Mbabane - State media are quoting Swaziland's health minister as saying the cash-strapped country's state hospitals have only two months' supplies of Aids drugs.

Health Minister Benedict Xaba was quoted as telling parliament on Monday that the country's economic crisis, linked to a drop in customs revenues amid a worldwide recession, was to blame.

Swaziland, with a population of about 1 million, has the world's highest percentage of people living with the virus that causes Aids. More than a quarter of Swazis between the ages of 15 and 49 are believe to carry HIV.

Swaziland is looking for international loans to cope with its budget crisis. Xaba says Aids patients should not lose hope, but news of dwindling drug supplies has worried patients.

- SAPA