Regulators Warn Against False HIV Cure Claims, Substandard Medicines
Regulators called on youth to share reliable information on social media, acknowledging their significant role in information consumption and dissemination.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Malawi's health regulators issued a stern warning Wednesday against the spread of false information about HIV/AIDS cures and the distribution of substandard medical products, emphasizing that such activities are punishable by law, writes Martin Kamlaike.
The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) and the National AIDS Commission (NAC) held a joint press conference to address growing concerns about misleading social media claims regarding HIV cures.
"NAC and PMRA are reminding the public that there is still no cure for HIV infection," said Beatrice Matanje, Chief Executive Officer of NAC.
"The current available HIV treatment involves taking effective Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARVs) that work by controlling replication of the virus in the bodies of those that have been tested HIV positive."
Matanje urged people living with HIV and those on ARVs not to be deceived by false claims, warning that discontinuing medication could put their lives at risk.
PMRA Director General Mphatso Kawaye advised HIV-positive individuals to consult qualified health professionals for proper treatment.
He noted that PMRA is working with traditional healers to research potential treatments through proper channels.
The agencies highlighted several challenges stemming from illicit practices, including incorrect medication, increased HIV treatment defaults, and unsafe injection practices.
Recent joint investigations with law enforcement have uncovered individuals tampering with medicine labels to advertise false "Gammora HIV cures."
Two women were fined K2.5 million each for selling falsified injections advertised on TikTok as HIV vaccines.
One man in Chikwawa district received a 15-month prison sentence, while another awaits trial in Zomba on similar charges.
Regulators called on youth to share reliable information on social media, acknowledging their significant role in information consumption and dissemination.