MANERELA+ in Drug Adherence Campaign, warns fake doctors claim to have cure for HIV/Aids in Mangochi
Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living or Affected with HIV and Aids (MANERELA+) has warned Malawians against fake traditional and witch-doctors who claim to have medicine that cure HIV/Aids.
The remarks were made at a Drug Adherence Campaign the organization conducted at Masuku Primary School ground in the Eastern Region District of Mangochi where close to 5,000 people gathered.
According to MANERELA+ Acting Executive Director Allie Mwachande, it is a pitty that there are still some people who are being blind folded by some fake doctors and prophets to abandon ARV drugs.
Mwachande therefore advised all people living with the virus never to abandon taking the drugs and to make sure they take the drug according to instructions.
Mangochi being one of the districts with a large number of its subordinated flocking to the rainbow nation of South Africa, Mwachande also took his time to encourage those on ARV treatment to make sure they meet relevant authorities to acquire ARVs the much needed quantity of drugs that can sustain them while away.
“What happens is that some people go to South Africa in search of greener pasture without taking drugs and some o get but once they leave the country they stop taking the drugs or else they also mix up things by starting taking new South African ARV’s of which some are fake. They end up destroying themselves so our aim was to sensitize them the importance of taking drugs prescribed by doctors here,” said Mwachande.
Also present at the function was former United Democratic Front (UDF) parliamenterian Lilian Patel, Balaka Distric Coordinator for MANERELA+ Harold Kachepatsonga, chiefs among others.
Several activities were also lined up that included traditional dances, netball and football.
As one way of championing the fight against HIV/Aids pandemic, MANERELA+ has been tracing defaulters of ARV treatment following the increase in number of people abandoning taking the drug.
The organization works in collaboration the government through Health Surveillance Assistants (HSA) as well as sensitization meetings in different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the Drug Adherence Campaign is expected to continue in other districts this is according to Mwachande.
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