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New law favours AIDS orphans

    JOHANNESBURG

    Following a recent High Court ruling, orphaned HIV-positive children in South Africa are now able to access antiretroviral treatment more easily.

    The existing Child Care Act had previously denied foster parents or caregivers permission to have a child in their care tested for HIV or receive medical treatment.

    Liesl Gerntholz, spokeswoman for the AIDS Law Project, said it was a landmark decision by the court, as the ruling would benefit thousands of orphaned HIV-positive children.

    Gerntholz was quoted by the South African Broadcasting Corporation as saying: "We are happy with the ruling, at least now there is a way forward. Kids can now get treated."

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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