Traditional Healers Warned Against Making False HIV Cure Claims

Uganda’s traditional healers have been strongly cautioned against making false claims about curing HIV/AIDS, as sector leaders push for more responsible practices aligned with modern healthcare approaches.

Mutongole Nansamba, president of traditional healers in Uganda, delivered a stern warning to practitioners who mislead patients, emphasizing that such deception not only endangers lives but also undermines national efforts to combat the epidemic.

“Traditional healers should stop misleading people that they can cure HIV. Instead, they must encourage everyone to first go for testing before starting any form of treatment,” Nansamba stated firmly. She highlighted early testing as a cornerstone of effective HIV management, pointing out that individuals aware of their status can access appropriate medical care and prevent unwitting transmission.

The remarks came as Nansamba led fellow traditional healers during the Kabaka’s Birthday Run in Nansana and surrounding areas. This annual event attracts thousands of participants and serves as a significant platform for public health awareness campaigns in Uganda.

“As traditional healers, we have a big role to play in our communities. We must support government efforts by guiding people correctly and promoting methods that prevent the spread of HIV,” she added, calling for closer collaboration between traditional practitioners and health professionals to ensure patients receive accurate information and appropriate care.

This call for cooperation is particularly significant in Uganda’s healthcare landscape, where traditional medicine often serves as the first point of contact for many citizens, especially in rural areas where access to formal healthcare facilities may be limited. According to recent health statistics, approximately 65% of Ugandans consult traditional healers before or alongside seeking conventional medical treatment.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to present challenges in Uganda despite significant progress in recent decades. The country has reduced its HIV prevalence from the peak rates of around 18% in the early 1990s to approximately 5.4% today. However, misinformation and stigma remain persistent obstacles to further reduction.

Nalongo Kadaga, a traditional healer from Busoga region, praised the Kabaka’s Birthday Run organizers for uniting communities in support of HIV/AIDS awareness. “The Kabaka’s birthday run is a good platform to educate our people and remind them about the importance of protecting their health,” she said.

Beyond health education, Kadaga encouraged fellow traditional healers to improve their economic standing by participating in government wealth-creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. These programs aim to boost household incomes through various financial support mechanisms targeting different community groups.

“Programs like PDM and Emyooga are meant to uplift communities. Traditional healers should take part in them instead of depending only on money from patients,” Kadaga noted, suggesting that financial independence could potentially reduce incentives for making exaggerated treatment claims.

Health experts have consistently identified misinformation about HIV/AIDS as a significant challenge in Uganda’s public health efforts. The integration of traditional healers into formal awareness campaigns represents an important strategic shift, recognizing their substantial influence in local communities.

The Uganda AIDS Commission estimates that approximately 1.4 million Ugandans currently live with HIV, with around 38,000 new infections recorded annually. Government initiatives have expanded access to antiretroviral therapy, with coverage now reaching about 89% of those in need of treatment.

Traditional healers’ leaders now emphasize that by promoting testing, prevention, and economic empowerment, their sector can play a constructive role in supporting national health goals while improving community well-being. This represents a significant evolution in Uganda’s approach to integrating traditional practices with evidence-based healthcare strategies.