It has been reported that death toll has decreased amongst several patients in Africa whose immune system had been ruined by the AIDS virus, by protective use of low-priced prescribed antibiotics.

It has been found that, drug co-trimoxazole sold as Septrim and Bactrim are used extensively to fight illness like pneumonia and ear and urinary tract infections. They have also discovered a few antimalarial properties in it.

There was an investigation conducted in Zimbabwe and Uganda, covering 3,179 natives. They were initially given antiretroviral therapy (ART) course.

It was reported that, ones who were given co-trimoxazole along with the anti-HIV drugs, for them the danger of dying became less through the initial three months by 59 per cent in comparison to individuals who weren’t given antibiotic.

During the 72-week stage, the risk of mortality was still constantly less, but it leveled out to 35 per cent on the whole.

The study stated, "Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (combined with anti-HIV treatment) is cost-effective and has a substantial public health effect".

It has been said that there were about 22.4 million people living with HIV or AIDS within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Last November, the UN agency and UNAIDS released an estimate, where the AIDS population of Sub-Saharan Africa amounted to two-thirds of the earth’s total of 33.4 million.