Stakeholders in the health sector should channel resources towards research on indigenous, Diocese of Mutare Community Programme (DOMCP) has said.
By Hamu Madzedze
Joachim Nyamande, Director of DOMCP said research on herbal therapy used by people living with HIV and Aids is important as this can be a gateway for Zimbabwe to come up with its own drugs.
“Adequate research into local herbs could see the country coming up with its own antiretroviral drugs,” said Doctor Nyamande.
Nyamande pointed out that it can take time to have noticeable results but as a country conducting research is a good start considering that Zimbabwe has vast indigenous herbs.
He added that the country is facing foreign currency shortage to purchase drugs and at times the Antiretroviral drugs are not enough for all the people living with HIV, therefore time has come for research in the herbal therapy.
“The herbs are there what is only needed is to put resources together to carry out researches which will determine the effectiveness of the herbs,” said Doctor Nyamande.
He added that they have a case of a 51-year-old woman who is living with HIV and Aids who has been using herbs only for the past fifteen years and her viral load is now undetectable.
“Since she was diagnosed with HIV she has been using herbs and she has responded well to them,” said Nyamande.
He noted that those who use indigenous herbs should be educated to have constant checkup at health institutions as a measure aimed at ensuring
