More drug roll-out promises in Zambia

Zambia's Central Board of Health (CBoH) has announced a US $2.5 million procurement of HIV/AIDS drugs, local newspaper The Post reported on Thursday. However, a leading AIDS NGO on Friday said it was doubtful of the government's commitment to provide antiretrovirals for the large number of people living with HIV/AIDS. "There were many promises made over the last two years, but no concrete developments," Kunyima Banda, the acting national coordinator of the Network of Zambian People Living with HIV/AIDS (NZP+), told the UN news service PlusNews. The CBoH said in late February that a country-wide HIV/AIDS drug roll-out would begin within the next six weeks. "The deadline has come and gone. It raises questions about the government's commitment. Much progress could be made if the government allows us to assist them," Banda added.