SA's president 'failed on Aids'

President Mbeki has long questioned orthodox views on HIV

South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki remains an "Aids dissident" - doubting the link between the HIV virus and Aids, according to his new biographer.
Mark Gevisser told the BBC Mr Mbeki thinks he has "failed on the issue of Aids" and regrets dropping the debate.

He said Mr Mbeki believes anti-Aids drugs, now distributed in South Africa, are toxic and doubts their efficacy.

But the president's spokesman refused to comment on the book's claims, saying the cabinet and Mr Mbeki were united.

"The most important issue is that the government has a comprehensive HIV/Aids programme - described by UNAids as one of the most comprehensive in the world - and it has the support of the entire cabinet and Mr Mbeki," presidential spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga said.

About 12% of South Africa's population is living with HIV, the virus most scientists believe causes Aids.