A new antiretroviral drug program has halved the price the South African government will pay for HIV drugs, PlusNews reports. The program has an estimated savings of $685 million and will allow the South African government to treat twice as many HIV-positive patients. However, few of the fixed dosed combinations have been included in the deal because of registration delays from the Medicines Control Council. Fixed dose combinations allow for better adherence and fewer pharmacy errors. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said he hoped the savings would help the 900,000 people who were diagnosed with the virus as a result of new HIV testing efforts.

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