By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights has called on Prophet Walter Magaya to publicly reverse his claims that he had a cure for HIV and AIDS as there is no empirical research that proves his claims.

According to a statement by the doctors, Prophet Magaya’ s claims have the potential to increase the number of Anti Retroviral Therapy defaulters, increased risky behavior practices and expose patients to potentially harmful side effects of the herbs.

Said ZADHR in a statement:

“The ZADHR takes great exception to the recent claims by Prophet W Magaya that he has found a cure for HIV and AIDS.

ZADHR acknowledges the prophet’s right to freedom of worship and his entitlements to his beliefs.

However it is the conviction of ZADHR that any claims to cure HIV must only be made in the presence of irrefutable scientific evidence that is obtained through proper and ethical research methodologies.

Such unverified claims have the potential to increase the number of Anti Retroviral Therapy defaulters, increased risky behavior practices and exposure to potentially harmful side effects of the herbs.

ZADHR therefore calls upon:

1. Prophet Magaya to publicly reverse his claims that he had a cure for HIV and AIDS as there is no empirical research that proves his claims.
2. The Minister of Health Dr Obidiah Moyo to publicly censure Prophet Magaya and also institute an investigation into the safety of the herbs he is claiming to have.
3. The National AIDS Council and all other HIV related civil society groups to warn the public in the potential disastrous effects of these unverified claims.

Provision of accurate health information is a key pillar of the constitutionally enshrined right to health and ZADHR is saddened by this incident.”

ZADHR INFORMATION DEPARTMENT