KZN Health MEC warns against anti-ARV teachings

The provincial government has warned against alleged life-threatening misinformation encouraging people to abandon antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in favour of faith healing at a KwaMaphumulo religious settlement. “As a department, we respect the autonomy of the religious sector and do not seek to dictate matters of faith. However, we have a duty to act when faced with allegations that people are being misled in ways that could cost lives,” said Simelane.

If it is true that any person is encouraging followers to stop their ARVs, that behaviour is dangerous and cannot be tolerated. It is in effect a way of killing people slowly. She urged religious leaders to work with the department, offering training to improve HIV awareness and prevent the spread of misinformation.

“Anyone who misleads people by telling them to abandon ARVs must face the full might of the law. That is tantamount to causing harm,” she said. Chairperson of the commission, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva recently toldThe Witnessthat while religious freedom must be protected, it should not be used as a shield for harmful practices. “We are not against religion, but we are against practices that exploit or harm people under the guise of religion,” she said.