MSF: AIDS Drug Shortage Threatens Africa

WASHINGTON - Doctors Without Borders says a chronic shortage of drugs to treat AIDS in six African countries threatens a catastrophe that could cost untold thousands of lives and reverse progress made on the continent most afflicted by the disease.

The organization's medical coordinator in South Africa tells The Associated Press that in recent weeks clinics have stopped enrolling new patients and people could die before they start taking lifesaving anti-retroviral drugs.

Eric Goemaere blames apathy from governments and donors. He says "There's no doubt people will die."

The countries affected are Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Guinea and Congo.

Goemaere sounded the warning Saturday before an international AIDS conference opens in Cape Town.