HIV/AIDS and terrorism a priority

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is gearing up to face the challenge of terrorism as well as HIV/AIDS, a top official has said. SADC executive secretary, Prega Ramsamy, was quoted by the South African Sunday Times newspaper as saying: "We are considering the bulk purchasing of drugs in an attempt to bring down the prices of drugs. We are also looking at the drug legislation and to see whether we can import as a group." The establishment of an early warning unit was among other measures also being considered by the 13 SADC state members. "We are also working with our immigration and security department so that we can better protect ourselves," Ramsamy said.