SOUTH AFRICA, MOZAMBIQUE TO AGREE ON HEALTH CO-OPERATION ACCORD

South Africa and Mozambique are to sign a co-operation accord on health issues, with particular regard to HIV/AIDS. Officials from both countries have promised to "share experiences" and "harmonise strategies" on the pandemic.

Officials also note that large numbers of mining workers from Mozambique are migrating to South Africa, which has one of the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rates. The pledge to share information is significant in view of the slightly lower, but faster-growing, prevalence of HIV in Mozambique.

Notably, while South Africa has pursued and ARVs voluntary licensing policy with multinational drug firms, Mozambique is currently planning a multimillion-dollar copy ARVs facility with assistance from the Brazilian government.