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Dr Gerald Gwinji

Thandeka Moyo
Health Reporter
GOVERNMENT has dismissed claims that a Gweru faith-based healer is curing people of HIV, adding that people who stop taking medication are at risk of developing drug resistant viruses which are impossible to treat.

Recently, there have been false reports that a Malawian prophet reportedly “cured” a Gweru woman who was HIV positive.

Studies have shown that even though there is no cure for the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS, multiple drug combinations can suppress the virus, but don’t kill it. Antiretroviral drugs just stop the virus from replicating, and the virus hides out in the body in what are called reservoirs.

If people stop taking drugs, or if something else interferes with how their bodies absorb the drugs, the virus can come back.

Health and Child Care Ministry permanent secretary Retired Major General Dr Gerald Gwinji warned members of the public against being misled that they have been cured when the virus has been suppressed by drugs.

He said people who often claim they have healed normally present a relapse of HIV weeks or months after stopping medication.

“So we would like to warn citizens who visit these avenues that they must be clear because the consequences are serious,” said Dr Gwinji.

Mpilo clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said HIV is caused by a virus which can only be addressed through taking medication.

“The virus is a living organism. No amount of prayer can kill it hence people should seek medical advice for testing, counselling and treatment,” said Dr Ngwenya.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care chairperson, Dr Ruth Labode, said it was the duty of prophets to admit that they have no power in such medical issues.

“Prophets can only pray for people but it is the duty of doctors and other health professionals to diagnose or advice patients to stop medication,” she said.
Dr Labode said Zimbabweans should engage religious leaders in the fight against Aids as it is evident that a majority believe their church leaders than doctors.

“We have to engage these prophets so that they are in a position to give counselling to their congregants. They should be at the forefront of telling people to adhere to their medication,” she added.

Community Working Group on Health Director Mr Itai Rusike said the false HIV cure story calls for continuous health education and health promotion on HIV and AIDS among religious groups and especially the ‘new miracle churches.”—@thamamoe