PBS Program Examines HIV/AIDS, TB in South Africa

PBS' "News Hour With Jim Lehrer" recently aired a three-part series examining various issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in South Africa. Summaries of the three segments appear below.

• "South Africa Looks To Set New Course in HIV/AIDS Fight": The "News Hour" on Monday examined South Africa's efforts to increase access to antiretroviral drugs and prevention messages. The segment also includes a discussion with Barbara Hogan, the country's new health minister, and examines issues surrounding women's health (Suarez, "News Hour With Jim Lehrer," PBS, 3/23).
  
  
• "TB Thrives Among South Africa's HIV-Positive Population": The "News Hour" on Tuesday examined the impact of HIV/tuberculosis coinfections on the country. In South Africa, TB is a leading cause of death, and estimates say that 13 people will die from the disease every hour. The segment examines issues surrounding treatment and drug resistance (Suarez, "News Hour With Jim Lehrer," PBS, 3/24).
  
  
• "Children Orphaned By AIDS Face Uncertain Future": The "News Hour" on Wednesday examined the effect of HIV/AIDS on children in South Africa, as many adults and parents are "struck down by AIDS during their prime work and child-rearing years." The segment examines a "day in the life" of three orphan sisters who lost both parents to AIDS (Suarez, "News Hour With Jim Lehrer," PBS, 3/25).