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Health, Aids experts denounce ruling on traditional healers
Bertha Shoko, The Standard (Zimbabwe)
September 10, 2006

http://www.thestandard.co.zw/viewinfo.cfm?linkid=11&id=4724

HEALTH experts and Aids activists have warned that the decision by the government to incorporate herbal medicines and traditional healers into conventional medical services could create confusion in the sector.

The government announced a fortnight ago it would incorporate traditional and herbal medicines for use together with conventional methods in the treatment of HIV and Aids, but this has met with mixed responses from health experts and Aids activists.

The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare made the announcement during commemorations in Harare to mark African Traditional Medicines’ Day.

But experts say there is insufficient research on how to merge these two practices without any long-term dangers to an infected person.

They argue that the effectiveness of some conventional medicines could be reduced if used simultaneously with certain herbs and traditional medicines, a situation they warn could harm a patient’s health in the long run.

Dr Paul Chimedza, the newly elected chairman of the Zimbabwe Medical Doctor’s Association, told The Standard that while his association does not doubt the effectiveness of some traditional medicines in treating ailments, the government should invest more money in research that will help everyone understand the dangers of certain herbs and traditional medicines when used together with modern medicine.

Chimedza said: "It is important that people have clear guidelines to help them administer herbs and other traditional medicines. It is important also that HIV-positive people have information on the possible side-effects of each and every herb they are handling. It should be out in the open.

"In HIV treatment we know that some herbs and traditional medicines may interfere with Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and this is where our concern is. We want medicines whose effectiveness has been proved scientifically through research. Let’s be clear about these medicines before they are used in HIV management because it could mean life or death for our patients."

Aids activist, Martha Chizenga, who is also living positively with HIV, says the mystery surrounding the administration of traditional medicines and herbs must be eliminated first and their effectiveness tested, researched on and well-documented before being institutionalised.

Chizenga said: "Being HIV positive means my immune system is very sensitive. Before taking any medicines, traditional or modern, I must know their side-effects and what to do in case of a reaction or allergic reaction.

"Unfortunately, there is so much mystery around traditional medicine that we don’t know side-effects, quantities to take, what to do in cases of a reaction and because of that, for me this ceases to be an option."

But Aids activists and Council Co-ordinating Mechanism (CCM) member to the Zimbabwe Global Fund team, Lynde Francis, has welcomed the move by government saying it was "long overdue".

Francis said the effectiveness of natural medicines dates back in time and believes that government’s stance will ensure the survival of the art of using traditional medicines. Herbs would not become extinct, and would make Zimbabweans self-sufficient.

"This is great news and about time too I must say," Francis said. "Natural medicine is available, affordable and it must be preserved. This is definitely a step in the right direction. It is good that government has begun the dialogue between these traditional health practitioners and conventional health practitioners."

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