The Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) is proud to support the tremendous efforts of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in South Africa which today have led to a resounding and historic victory for all people living with HIV and AIDS on the African continent. It is not surprising to us that South Africa has once more led the way. Africa has stood up for itself against overwhelming odds and won.

The 39 rich and powerful pharmaceutical companies have unconditionally withdrawn their case against the South African government and its Medicines Act and agreed to pay legal costs incurred by the government over the past two years. Clearly, TAC held the moral highground all the way and the fundamental right to health is now firmly recognised, understood and accepted by all.

The implications for people throughout Southern Africa and elsewhere living with HIV and AIDS are huge. For the first time, we live in real hope and South Africa again adds fuel and encouragement to similar campaigns for justice in neighbouring countries where the fight for access to affordable treatment continues. That we can win is now without doubt. Never again shall we bend to the will of the greedy who seek to crush us in the interests of obscene profit.

Keith Goddard
AIDS Treatment Action Campaign/GALZ

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