Misleading rumors have been spreading for some time in the Central African Republic, claiming that certain religious leaders can heal HIV/AIDS patients solely through prayer. These leaders often urge their followers to stop taking antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Beware of such practices that offer false hope, as there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that any HIV patient who stopped treatment after receiving a prayer for deliverance has survived. This information is completely misleading, according to disease specialists, pastoral communities, and Islamic leaders in the Central African Republic.
To investigate this alarming information and distinguish fact from fiction, the AFC editorial team contacted a specialist at the National Center for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS (CNLS), a pastor from the Evangelical Church, and the Imam of the Central Mosque in the Central African Republic.
In an interview with AFC, Dr. Ouambita Maboroc, public health advisor at the National Center for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS, stated: “This is a non-issue because, scientifically, we know that as soon as you stop ARV treatment, the virus will multiply again, and within 3 to 6 months, the patient will enter a bedridden state, experience advanced weight loss, face complications with drug resistance, and eventually die.”
“We, therefore, ask these religious leaders to work in collaboration with the CNLS. At present, this declaration is problematic for us in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Central African Republic.”
Pastor Namkoderana Theodore added: “Pastors should not take the place of God and doctors. If a pastor prevents people from taking antiretrovirals, I believe the government must take measures.” He emphasized.
Imam Oumar Gony Mbouka, from the Minusca contingents at Jackson Bridge in Bangui and director of the Voice of Islam radio station, told AFC: “If you are sick and a doctor prescribes medication, you should not refuse it. Take the medication and pray while following the proper course. In the Quran, it is not forbidden for a person to take medicine. So, discouraging followers affected by HIV from taking ARVs is not right.” He concluded.
These rumors, which offer false hope, have caused significant concern among the Central African population, the National Center for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS (CNLS), and the Ministry of Health.
By Boris Zekema / AFC Fact-checking Editorial Team
Do you find information or images suspicious? Contact our editorial team at 00236 74 02 15 70 / 75 81 61 38 / 75 38 11 73, or email us at [email protected].
