Pfizer extends HIV/AIDS drug program in Africa, Haiti

Pharmaceutical companies Pfizer Inc. and the Pfizer Foundation announced Monday an agreement to indefinitely extend their Diflucan Partnership Program in southern Africa and Haiti, according to AIDS Weekly. The program provides free doses of the drug Diflucan, which treats two opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS.

"At Pfizer, we know that the battle against HIV/AIDS must be fought on many fronts," said Pfizer chairman and CEO Hank McKinnell. "Through new and expanded programs, we are helping get medicines to those most in need, showing Pfizer employees how they can help fight the pandemic, and partnering with international organizations to provide care, treatment, and prevention in the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS."

The Pfizer Foundation also announced the awarding of $1.8 million to 12 organizations through its new International HIV/AIDS Health Literacy Grants Program. The organizations selected will conduct HIV/AIDS health literacy programs in the countries hardest hit by the pandemic.