Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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New Vision (Kampala) - October 21, 2005
Patrick Jaramogi
He asked the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) to address the issue.
"Pentecostal churches are frustrating our efforts of treating HIV/AIDS. They tell our patients to stop taking the ARVs, saying God will heal them. This is very dangerous," Mbazira said.
He was meeting the UAC chairperson, Bishop Barnabas Halem'Imana, at the commission's premises in Kamwokya, Kampala. Mbazira said most patients were dying because of the belief that Jesus had healed them.
"One of them told us that her pastor had stopped her from taking the drugs. She is now very badly off and might die soon," Mbazira said.
He said after going to Pentecostal churches, the majority of the patients did not return for their next dose of drugs.
"We all believe that God heals, but he also heals through drugs," he said.
Halem'Imana said the commission would issue a statement about the reports.
Mbazira said the centre catered for 8,220 people living with HIV/AIDS, of whom 620 were receiving free drugs.
"With funding from USAID, we also provide nutritional support to 6,000 people, many of whom are living with HIV/AIDS," he said.
Halem'Imana hailed KCCC for sensitising, caring and treating people living with HIV/AIDS.
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