Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - October 12, 2008
Bongani Mthethwa
And more than 66% believe that they would not be able to live without traditional medicines, more than 60% believe that herbs control their HIV rather than antiretroviral drugs and 96% of participants believe doctors prescribe too many medicines.
The findings of this study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council - among 484 people with HIV in three hospitals providing antiretrovirals - have stunned medical doctors and disturbed the Treatment Action Campaign, which blames government's mixed messages.
Former minister of health Manto Tshabalala-Msimang promoted traditional medicines instead of life-saving antiretroviral therapy to treat Aids.
Shandir Ramlagan, a senior researcher at the HSRC, said that some traditional medicines could be counter-productive if taken simultaneously with ARV treatment.
081012
ST081001
Copyright © 2008 - The Sunday Times. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Sunday Times Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .