Latin American
countries get discounts on anti-HIV drugs

Officials from 26 drug companies and 11 Latin American countries have reached an agreement that will slash the price of anti-HIV drugs in the region by as much as 66%, Inter Press Service reports. The price cuts will remain effective for two years, according to the agreement. The agreement will reduce the cost of antiretroviral therapy in Bolivia by 45%, in Uruguay by 48%, in Ecuador by 52%, in Chile by 56%, and in Paraguay by 66%. Price cuts also apply to Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico. About 1.5 million people in Latin America are HIV-positive, but only 275,000 are currently taking anti-HIV medications. Officials in the Latin American countries say the price cuts on the drugs will enable them to significantly expand their HIV treatment programs.