South African minister accused of human rights abuse

A South African doctor, employed in the state health system, has laid a charge of human rights abuse with South Africa's Human Rights Commission against the country's health minister, Dr Manto Tshabalala—Msimang, for refusing to supply zidovudine to all pregnant women with HIV or AIDS.

The Human Rights Commission is a body set up by South Africa's new constitution, which seeks to investigate human rights abuses with the aim of eradicating such practices.

Dr Costa Gazi, who is also the health spokesman for an …