Bill Clinton launches kids' HIV drugs

(30 Nov. 2006) : The former US President, Bill Clinton said Thursday that children have been left behind in HIV/Aids treatment and that his foundation has negotiated a deal to make HIV-AIDs treatment cheaper for children. "Though the world has made progress in expanding HIV/Aids treatment to adults but children have been left behind. Only one in 10 children who needs treatment is getting it," Mr Clinton said in a speech at the Delhi hospital.

Under the deal, two Indian companies will supply 19 antiretroviral drugs and their cost will be reduced by 45%, a statement by the foundation says. According to UN estimates, more than 40 million people worldwide are infected with HIV/Aids. The foundation statement said, the cheap drugs will be available in 62 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Caribbean. One of the drugs, made by leading Indian pharmaceutical companies, Cipla and Ranbaxy, is described as "new child-friendly product" and will cost less than $60 per year per child. The Clinton Foundation, set up in 2002, aims to provide technical and financial help to poorer countries struggling to stop the spread of HIV/Aids.