E-DRUG: WHO slow to respond over homeopathy for HIV and malaria
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WHO slow to respond over homeopathy for HIV and malaria
Our Voice of Young Science network (VoYS) together with other early career
medics and researchers from developing countries, have written to the World
Health Organisation, calling on them to issue an international condemnation
about the inappropriate use of homeopathy for serious diseases. They are
frustrated by the continued promotion of homeopathy for treating TB,
malaria, HIV, influenza and infant diarrhoea.
Many people in developing countries urgently need access to evidence-based
medical information and to the most effective means of treating these
dangerous diseases. The promotion of homeopathy as effective or cheaper
makes this difficult task even harder. It puts lives at risk, undermines
conventional medicine and spreads misinformation.
We were appalled to see the extent to which homeopathic treatments are being
promoted and sold in Africa. In Kenya, the largest homeopathic supplier, the
Abha Light Foundation sells homeopathic medicines for malaria, diarrhoea and
influenza. In Ethiopia, the Amma Resonance Healing Foundation, run by Peter
Chappell, offers to treat AIDS patients with 'resonance healing in the form
of homeopathy'. Homeopathy does not protect people from, or treat, these
serious diseases.
The letter, which has been covered widely in the media, was sent to Mr
Etukudo at the Division of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria at the World
Health Organisation's regional office in Africa on 1st June. The letter is
signed by early career medics and researchers from the UK and Africa and has
the support of leading experts in malaria, HIV and other serious diseases.
To read the letter:
http://www.senseaboutscience.org.uk/index.php/site/project/331/
Below are links to some of the media coverage:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/jun/01/world-health-organisation-home
opathy-hiv
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6406213.ece
http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent
<http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global[_id]=23678>
&global[_id]=23678
http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent
<http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global[_id]=23968>
&global[_id]=23968
Unfortunately since sending the letter, we have not heard a response from
the WHO. I have been redirected to a number of different people and offices
at the WHO with still no progress. I have spoken to Mr Etukudo a couple of
times now. He confirms that he has received the letter and that he passed it
on to the relevant people at the WHO. When I asked who they were he said he
couldn't give me that information and all he said was they were in the
Health System and dealt with these matters. He has agreed to contact them
again and get permission to give me their contact details.
We are concerned that our letter will get buried and not addressed. It is
surprising that the World Health Organisation has not responded as we would
expect it to share our concerns.
For more information:
Julia Wilson
jwilson@senseaboutscience.org
www.senseaboutscience.org