The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE--Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board (PMPB) has urged Malawians not to be carried away with herbal concoctions claimed to treat HIV/AIDS until the producers give scientific evidence to back their claims.

There has been an increase in the number of people saying their herbal concoctions can cure HIV/AIDS with adverts appearing almost every day in the daily papers. According to PMPB, antiretroviral agents (ARV) are the only approved medicines for use in prolonging lives of HIV infected individuals.

“The PMPB has not approved these preparations for the purported indications.

“In fact PMPB can not approve such products, unless the owner of the product has all the information about the chemical composition and has carried out safety scientific studies to demonstrate efficacy and safety of the product through appropriately designated clinical trials,” reads the statement issued by PMPB Thursday.

PMPB further argues that claims by the owners and clients of these products aren't proof enough for the board to accept the products.

 “Malawians are, therefore, encouraged to go for testing and then source their ARV medications from clinics established by the government and private sector. Under no circumstances should those on ARV treatment stop their medication for these concoctions,” says PMPB.
---
(c) The Maravi Post 2012. Reproduction without acknowledgement prohibited.

Add attachment