AIDS vitamin testing outlawed in S. Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 14 (UPI) -- A South African judge has banned unapproved trials involving vitamin treatments for AIDS, officials say.

Cape High Court Judge Dumisani Zondi ruled against David Rasnick, a U.S. biochemist who was once an adviser to South African President Thabo Mbeki, and Dr. Matthias Rath of Germany, the BBC reported Friday.

The Treatment Action Campaign and the South African Medical Association initiated the case, claiming Rath took part in unauthorized trials in poverty-stricken areas.

"It is declared that the clinical trials conducted in South Africa are unlawful," Zondi said.

Opponents of the vitamin testing argue it has caused deaths that could have been avoided.

TAC and SAMA said South African officials could have taken stronger action to bring an end to the trials.

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said the accusations against government officials were false.