HIV, with Dr. Watiti
Feb 21, 2011
WHEN people are faced with an incurable disease such as AIDS in the face of poor or unavailable medical services, they can become desperate and may end up in the hands of quacks like what you have described above.
Dear Doctor,
I have noticed we have a big problem of faith-healing versus medical care. This has caused a lot of problems with people to the extent of losing their lives. There are cases where churches mercilessly flog people living with HIV (PLHIV) to drive out demons, all in the name of curing them of the virus! How can one engage such churches to stop this?
Patricia
Dear Patricia,
WHEN people are faced with an incurable disease such as AIDS in the face of poor or unavailable medical services, they can become desperate and may end up in the hands of quacks like what you have described above.
I have, myself, seen many people needlessly die due to ignorance and blind zeal. Many people, however, including Pentecostal Christians have been taught and now know that AIDS is not caused by demons that suck people’s blood out, but a virus that can be avoided or controlled using drugs.
So, the best way to engage such faith communities is through training of their leaders so that they appreciate the public health aspects of HIV/AIDS.
Without undermining their important role as partners in caring for PLHIV, we can explore the synergies between medical science and faith; so that we work towards holistic healthcare.
The people too must be sensitised about HIV, for instance what causes it, how it is spread and what can be done for those who are infected. We must work towards eradicating stigma because it makes people feel ashamed and fail to seek timely medical care and help.
Lastly, we need to identify PLHIV who are willing to go public about their HIV status and counsel them, plus train them and equip them with advocacy and communication skills so that they can share their experiences of living with HIV in a positive way.
This way, I believe we shall demystify this disease as we work towards eradicating it through prevention of new infections.
I have noticed we have a big problem of faith-healing versus medical care. This has caused a lot of problems with people to the extent of losing their lives. There are cases where churches mercilessly flog people living with HIV (PLHIV) to drive out demons, all in the name of curing them of the virus! How can one engage such churches to stop this?
Patricia
Dear Patricia,
WHEN people are faced with an incurable disease such as AIDS in the face of poor or unavailable medical services, they can become desperate and may end up in the hands of quacks like what you have described above.
I have, myself, seen many people needlessly die due to ignorance and blind zeal. Many people, however, including Pentecostal Christians have been taught and now know that AIDS is not caused by demons that suck people’s blood out, but a virus that can be avoided or controlled using drugs.
So, the best way to engage such faith communities is through training of their leaders so that they appreciate the public health aspects of HIV/AIDS.
Without undermining their important role as partners in caring for PLHIV, we can explore the synergies between medical science and faith; so that we work towards holistic healthcare.
The people too must be sensitised about HIV, for instance what causes it, how it is spread and what can be done for those who are infected. We must work towards eradicating stigma because it makes people feel ashamed and fail to seek timely medical care and help.
Lastly, we need to identify PLHIV who are willing to go public about their HIV status and counsel them, plus train them and equip them with advocacy and communication skills so that they can share their experiences of living with HIV in a positive way.
This way, I believe we shall demystify this disease as we work towards eradicating it through prevention of new infections.