Former US President Bill Clinton has reached a deal with drug companies that will see the supply of cut-price drugs to AIDS sufferers in developing countries.
Four generic drug companies last night promised to make drugs available to millions of people in African and Caribbean nations suffering with HIV and AIDS at about half the current price.
Mr Clinton, whose foundation has been pressing for cheaper treatments, said the more affordable drugs could help millions get a longer lease on life.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative said the plan would get the cheaper drugs to about two million people by 2008. Worldwide, an estimated 42 million people suffer from HIV and AIDS.
"There are five to six million people in the developing world with AIDS and in urgent need for the drugs," Mr Clinton told reporters at his Harlem office. "Only 200,000 to 300,000 are receiving treatment. The rest are simply being left to die."
Partnering with three firms in India and South Africa's largest generic drug company, Mr Clinton said anti-retroviral drugs will be offered at $140 per person a year.
"For AIDS treatment rates in poor countries to go up, prices have to come down. Today's announcement marks a crucial breakthrough in the AIDS emergency," said Bono, human rights activist and lead singer of U2.