Even a reduction of 90% in the cost of these drugs would be insufficient

Health Minister Crispus Kiyonga

But the cost of the drugs is still far beyond the means of most Ugandans.

The Ugandan Health Minister, Crispus Kiyonga, told a news conference in Kampala that the pharmaceutical companies had agreed to cut the existing cost of $214 per month by up to 70%.

Uganda is one of four developing countries that are part of the Drug Access Initiative started in 1997 with the aim of giving poorer countries access to anti-retroviral drugs, which normally cost $1,000 per month.

More funds sought

Since the start of the programme some 1,500 people have gained access to the drugs - but nearly 1.5 million Ugandans are suffering from Aids.

Some 1.5 million Ugandans are infected

The new prices range between $86 and $218 per month for double therapy (a combination of two drugs) and between $144 and $422 dollars per month for triple therapy (a three-drug combination).

The average Ugandan earns $300 a year.

"Even a reduction of 90% in the cost of these drugs would be insufficient," Mr Kiyonga said.

The minister added that the government was now looking for funding to extend drug provision to more regional hospitals. At present, Aids medication is available only at health centres in Kampala.