SOUTH AFRICA: A controversial herbal remedy claims to treat HIV/AIDS in South Africa

The Zulu of South Africa believe that the ancestors communicate through dreams. Zeblon Gwala testifies to this. He says his grandfather appeared to him while he slept and left him the secret of 'Ubhejane' a mixture of herbs he claims can treat HIV AIDS. Since then, there has been no turning back for Zeblon who used to be a truck driver here in Durban. His remedy has become popular and over 2000 South Africans with the virus are said to be using it. "Traditional medicine has no chemicals, consists of no animal (products). Ubhejane is made from 89 different plants that are all natural herbs. It has no side effects which can result in in liver or lung ailments. Its all natural with no side effects," Gwala says. A full dose of the herbal treatment sells for about 62 US dollars. For the herbs to take full effect, Zeblon advises his patients not to take anti-retroviral drugs. This 29 year old we'll call 'Zodwa' discovered that she was HIV positive in the year 2001. She started drinking 'Ubhejane' 3 times a day and says she feels much better. "Ubhejane heals all HIV AIDS ailments like sore and swollen feet hat make it impossible to walk. Secondly it healed my thrush that had made even eating difficult. Finally my weight improved and I added ten kilos (kilograms). Ubhejane works!" she said. Scientists are now keen on testing 'Ubhejane'. So far experiments have shown that the herbal medicine is non-toxic to cells and kills or limits bacteria. But, research scientists like Lorna Madurai say that it was fundamental to carry out clinical trials. "We must do some trials. It doesn't have to be a major trial, trials can be, even if we start on 150 patients just to see that these patients are not having toxic effects and I think that's the responsibility that we have on the medical side to protect patients because remember if we allow one product which is probably showing potential, this could be an open market for anybody to sell product to people and say to them, 'Look, you're going to get better!" she explained. South Africa's law does not regulate traditional healers and their remedies so they are many dubious practitioners especially taking advantage of AIDS patients. 900 South Africans die of HIV/AIDS daily. The country has one of the highest infection rates in the world. In 2004 the government began giving free ARV's (anti-retrovirals) around the country. However only those with the weakest immune systems qualify. At over 100 US dollars monthly, many here can't afford to buy them and herbal remedies are an alternative. South Africa's government has even endorsed traditional medicine with the Health Minister Manto Shabalala Msimang recommending its use by AIDS patients. "It is believed that up to 80% of our people in Southern Africa region use traditional or complementary medicines as part of primary healthcare," she said. In 2003 Sangomas or traditional healers claimed that the African potato treated HIV/AIDS. The African potato started being made into supplements specifically for those with HIV. Many took them alongside ARV's and claimed that they worked well. Today some studies have shown that the African potato weakens the efficacy of anti-retrovirals. But, AIDS activist Lihle Dlamini says that is fundamental HIV/AIDS sufferers take anti-retroviral drugs. "Our government especially our minister of health has given mixed messages to people. She has told people to eat garlic, beetroot instead of taking anti-retroviral treatment. We know that nutrition is very important especially to people with compromised immune systems but then a person with a CD4 count (viral count) below 200 cannot survive on nutritious food. That person needs anti-retroviral therapy which will stop the replication of HIV," Dlamini said. It may be a while before scientists establish if at all 'Ubhejane' can treat HIV/AIDS. But, until then it will be up to the South African government to ensure that those already taking it aren't putting themselves at risk and that alternatives like anti-retroviral drugs are easily accessible.

ITN Source | December 4, 2006

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