Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Arua City Health Officer, Dr. Pontious Apangu, has urged individuals living with HIV to remain committed to using Anti-Retroviral Drugs (ARVs) and avoid being tempted by herbal remedies.
His warning comes as the city continues its efforts to reduce the HIV prevalence rate, currently at 4.4 percent. The fight against HIV is being hindered by reports of herbalists and some religious figures misleading people with false promises of cures.
Judith Bako, the deputy Resident City Commissioner for Arua Central Division, raised concerns that numerous HIV patients are being misguided by certain religious leaders, who claim that healing can be achieved through prayer, encouraging them to stop taking ARVs.
Bako also urged authorities to take action by reconsidering the licensing of herbalists, accusing them of convincing patients to replace ARVs with herbal treatments.
Luke Candia, an HIV-positive individual from Ayivu Village, shared his experience, noting that many people on ARVs have switched to herbal treatments.
He recounted the story of a woman who died in April after abandoning her ARV regimen and instead spent 150,000 shillings per week on herbal remedies from Congo.
Candia expressed concern over the widespread belief, promoted by some religious leaders, that HIV can be cured through prayer alone.
Dr. Apangu emphasized that the Ministry of Health has not recognized any herbal treatment as scientifically proven to cure HIV. He advised the public to seek proper medical care from qualified health professionals for any health concerns, reiterating the importance of ARVs for those living with HIV.
He advised the community and local leaders to monitor the people who claim to be providing health and report them to the authorities.
“We see very many people coming here in the name of healing. Others say they are religious experts… but they are treated in someone’s house. They are treated in a clinic without a label. So we must report to them,” he added.
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Dr. Pontious Apangu, Arua City Health Officer, has called on health workers to consistently provide up-to-date health education to patients during their visits to healthcare facilities. He stressed the importance of being available to assist patients, even when medications may not be in stock.
A recent study, published in June 2024 by the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine, revealed that up to 90 percent of individuals living with HIV are using herbal medicine. The study highlights the strong belief in herbal treatments, with many patients abandoning Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in favor of herbal remedies, particularly when facing chronic health issues or worsening HIV symptoms.
Despite this trend, the study emphasizes that herbal medicine does not significantly contribute to viral suppression. Dr. Apangu continues to urge patients to adhere to ARVs and cautions against relying on unproven herbal alternatives for managing HIV.
