PRNewswire - December 1, 2000

The South African Ministry of Health and Pfizer Inc. today announced final approval and commencement of the South African Diflucan Partnership Programme, a unique initiative intended to benefit HIV/AIDS patients in need.

The programme is a comprehensive partnership carefully designed to help ensure proper diagnosis and care for those who cannot afford treatment for two opportunistic infections commonly associated with AIDS. The initiative will provide the company's anti-fungal medication, Diflucan(R) (fluconazole), at no charge to HIV/AIDS patients suffering from cryptococcal meningitis or oesophageal candidiasis, two AIDS-related opportunistic infections. Pfizer expects to contribute more than R375 million ($50 million) of Diflucan over the course of the programme.

The programme will be administered by trained medical professionals in government hospitals and clinics across South Africa and will be regularly assessed to ensure that it successfully meets patients needs.

Patients participating in the programme will receive Diflucan for as long as they need it.

"The South African government reaffirms its commitment to work with partners across the globe to ensure access to health care for South Africans," said Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Minster of Health. "Furthermore, we shall continue to ensure that we contribute to the overall efforts working particularly with SADC member states in the important task of strengthening the health systems in our region for the benefit of our people."

"The South African government calls upon all of us to join hands across the public-private divide in a genuine partnership to restore the humanity of many in the developing world. Ensuring that the scientific and technological advances are used to the benefit of those in need, is the biggest moral and developmental challenge of the 21st century. The discussions between us have enriched our understanding of what is possible when we opt to focus on the challenges before us."

"Pfizer and the South African Ministry of Health have worked very hard together to initiate the Diflucan Partnership Programme," said William C. Steere Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer.

"This programme underscores Pfizer's commitment to community and its leadership in developing new approaches to address major public health issues."

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the brain caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans; it occurs in approximately 1 in 10 AIDS patients. Oesophageal candidiasis is a debilitating fungal infection of the oesophagus caused by Candida albicans; it is reported in 20 to 40 percent of all patients with HIV/AIDS. Diflucan is the only recommended outpatient treatment for cryptococcal meningitis, and it has been proven highly effective in treating oesophageal candidiasis.

"The AIDS epidemic in Africa is one of the single greatest global health care challenges facing the world today," said Henry A. McKinnell, Ph.D., president and chief operating officer of Pfizer. "The South African Diflucan Partnership Programme is an excellent example of our industry providing its innovative and often lifesaving medicines to those most in need."

"We believe this public-private partnership will help address the terrible human suffering caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic," said Konji Sebati, M.D., director: public affairs for Africa and the Middle East, and former Pfizer medical director and corporate affairs for South and Central Africa. "We are deeply committed to the program and to the people of South Africa who we know will greatly benefit."

Pfizer is also committed to initiating discussions with other members of South African Development Community (SADC) with a view to the possible expansion of the programme within the SADC region.

About Pfizer

Pfizer has been very active and a dedicated contributor to developmental initiatives and health care in South Africa and throughout the world. As a founding member of Medical Education for South African Blacks (MESAB), the company provided the organization's first grant as well as ongoing financial support over the past 15 years. Pfizer also works with the Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC) to improve mathematics and science education and teacher training in disadvantaged community high schools. A major supporter to non-governmental organizations providing care and support to patients infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, Pfizer continues to make its resources available to those in need.

Issued on behalf of:

Department of Health Contact: Dr Nono Simelela Tel: (012) 312-0121/22 Cell: 082-578-1515

Pfizer Contact: Dr. Konji Sebati Tel: (011) 320-6153

Contact: Andy McCormick Tel: (212) 573-1226

SOURCE The South African Ministry of Health

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