I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 2.
From the outset of the epidemic, we have recognised that HIV-AIDS is now the major development challenge facing Africa. The scale of the epidemic is unprecedented with up to 30 million people infected in Sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, UNAIDS estimates that up to 20% of the adult population are infected.
Against that background, I think it is regrettable that international drugs companies have decided to use the courts to try to block the efforts of the South African Government to provide cheaper drugs. As I outlined in my previous reply, I would certainly support calls for this action to be withdrawn.
The German development Minister has appealed for the pharmaceutical companies to withdraw their case against the South African Government. She called for "co-operation, not confrontation". I echo that call, and hope the adjournment of the court case would allow an opportunity for the drugs companies to renew their dialogue with the South African Government to find agreement on the best way to provide drugs at an affordable price.
