Charlotte Observer Profiles Efforts by GlaxoSmithKline, Coca-Cola To Provide Treatment to HIV-Positive Africans
The Charlotte Observer yesterday profiled efforts by GlaxoSmithKline and Coca-Cola to provide antiretroviral treatment and AIDS care to people affected by the disease in Africa. GSK last month cut its antiretroviral drug prices for the second time in less than a year; the company now sells its drugs in developing countries for as little as 5% of the U.S. price, which GSK said only covers the costs of production and distribution, according to the Observer. GSK is also working with several other projects -- including the Frances Jones Abandoned Baby Center in Nairobi, Kenya; the Kenya Network of Women with AIDS; and the Movement of Men Against AIDS in Kenya -- to help stem the spread of HIV (Hopkins, Charlotte Observer, 5/11). Coca-Cola, which has more than 60,000 employees in Africa, in cooperation with its bottlers and the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation is covering 90% of the costs associated with treating its HIV-positive African employees, who are expected to pay 10% of the cost. The program, which is also available to employees' spouses and children, includes HIV testing and treatment (Hopkins, Charlotte Observer, 5/11).
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