Johannesburg — A hunger strike by HIV-positive inmates at South Africa's Westville Prison, in the east coast city of Durban, has ended after interventions by the correctional service department.

Some 120 prisoners embarked on the strike early on Monday, after months of negotiations with prison authorities to provide urgent anti-AIDS treatment came to naught.

Correctional services spokesman Manelisi Wolela said a team had since been formed to help resolve issues that may have led to the hunger strike, while nutritious food supplements would be provided to the inmates in the interim.

"The department began with ... the provision of nutritious food supplements, and negotiations with the Departments of Health and Home Affairs for solutions to the challenges," he told the South African Press Association.

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]