Virtual Pharmacies Aim to Ease South Africa’s HIV Burden, and COVID-19 Threat

South Africa's 21-day lockdown presents an unusual challenge for a nation with the world's highest burden of HIV. In order to remain healthy, those on antiretrovirals need to venture out of their homes for their lifesaving medication -- a move that puts them at greater risk of contracting the highly infectious coronavirus. Some health care advocates are seeking a workaround in the form of automatic pharmaceutical dispensaries, much like ATMs, where patients would be able to get their pills without human contact. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Johannesburg.