Scientists Urge WHO to Slam Homeopathy as HIV Remedy

Brits want such treatment ruled out for HIV, TB, malaria

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2009 8:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – Concerned about deaths tied to choice of treatment, British scientists are calling on the World Health Organization to speak out against homeopathy as a way to battle HIV, TB, malaria, influenza, and infant diarrhea. Clinics throughout Asia and sub-Saharan Africa offer to treat such diseases through homeopathy, though there is no evidence that it is effective, reports the Guardian. Currently, the WHO’s position on homeopathy is “wishy-washy,” said a biophysicist.

“Those of us working with the most rural and impoverished people of the world already struggle to deliver the medical help that is needed. When homeopathy stands in place of effective treatment, lives are lost,” the scientists wrote to WHO.

Children play at the Barcelona Baptist Church Center, which cares for children affected by AIDS, near Cape Town, South Africa, Sunday, March 23, 2008. When the AIDS pandemic began more than two decades... (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)

Then-UK PM Tony Blair reacts beneath a poster during a visit to the Harriet Shezi Childrens HIV Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, Thursday, May 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Alexander Joe)

People await treatment for different sicknesses at the Empilisweni Clinic that treat patients for TB and HIV in Worcester, South Africa, Monday, Feb. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)

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Scientists Urge WHO to Slam Homeopathy as HIV Remedy

Brits want such treatment ruled out for HIV, TB, malaria

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Contraceptive Shot May Double HIV Risk

Study findings could present a 'major health crisis'

Scientists Find Trick to 'Disarm' HIV

Without its cholesterol, virus can't harm immune system

AIDS Drugs Slash Risk of Getting HIV in First Place

Pair of studies show minimum 60% drop in infection rate

Scientists Find HIV's Achilles Heel

Vaccines should target one area, not the entire virus, new research suggests

Since 2001, New HIV Infections Plummeted 25%

Still, some 2.6M were infected in 2009

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

AIDS • malaria • HIV • medical treatment • alternative treatment • World Health Organization • HIV/AIDS • tuberculosis • homeopathy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Contraceptive Shot May Double HIV Risk

Study findings could present a 'major health crisis'

Scientists Find Trick to 'Disarm' HIV

Without its cholesterol, virus can't harm immune system

AIDS Drugs Slash Risk of Getting HIV in First Place

Pair of studies show minimum 60% drop in infection rate

Scientists Find HIV's Achilles Heel

Vaccines should target one area, not the entire virus, new research suggests

Since 2001, New HIV Infections Plummeted 25%

Still, some 2.6M were infected in 2009

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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