The Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), on Thursday, confirmed that four of its members died in Gombe State after allegedly drinking HIV herbal concoction.
NEPWHAN’s programme officer, Muhammad Ibrahim, disclosed this in Gombe at an event commemorating the 2023 World AIDS Day.
Ibrahim said the spate of the use of herbal therapy for HIV treatment in the State had been a source of concern following the increased patronage of such unorthodox medications by its members.
He stressed the need for the government and stakeholders to regulate and check the circulation of alternative HIV treatment in the State.
According to Ibrahim, many HIV-positive patients who are desperately searching for a cure are opting for herbal remedies, adding that many have died as a result of wrong medication.
“A lot of our members are subscribing and using herbal medicine based on the information being spread by the hawkers of the traditional medicine who are everywhere in Gombe. These people are openly advertising and claiming that they have discovered the treatment of HIV as a result a lot of our people are buying the medicine.
“There is no scientific proof that the herbal treatments are real, so we want the government to look into this and do the needful. Anybody that claims to have found treatment for HIV should be identified and invited by the government to verify his claims and certify it before public sales and use,” said NEPWHAN’s programme officer.
The Commissioner for Health, Habu Dahiru, said there is no scientific proof that herbs could cure the disease.
He, therefore, advised NEPWHAN members and all those living with HIV to desist from using herbal medicines to treat the disease, adding that such concoctions damage vital organs.
He said Gombe State achieved 95 per cent of suspected cases tested and placed on medication, adding that 95 per cent of those placed on medication have achieved viral suppression.