Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
SAfAIDS Executive Director Chrispin Chomba
Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) Executive Director Chrispin Chomba has warned religious leaders against forcing HIV/AIDS patients from taking antiretroviral drugs.
Mr. Chomba says the organization has been receiving reports that many people with HIV have died after they stopped taking antiretroviral drugs on the advice of their Christian pastors.
He says there is need to do more to prevent faith leaders encouraging people with HIV to stop taking their drugs, saying this is a violation of their rights to health and life.
Mr. Chomba says it is not right to allow certain section of people to deprive others of their rights to life and good health because of their conditions at the pretense of praying for them.
He notes that many people have been told by religious leaders to stop taking the life prolonged drug for HIV/AIDS patients after being prayed for a situation he described as unfortunate.
The SAFAIDS Country Director has also requested people living with HIV/AIDS themselves to be proactive by stopping listening to religious leaders who request them to stop taking ARVs.
He says prayer is not a substitute for HIV treatment, advising that faith organizations can make a positive contribution to raising awareness of HIV by highlighting the benefits of testing and effective antiretroviral treatment.