SWAKOPMUND – Traditional leaders should guard against bogus healers, who mislead their clients with false claims they can cure HIV/Aids.
Since the virus that causes HIV/Aids was discovered many people have lost substantial amounts of money and even material possessions to unscrupulous and bogus traditional healers who trick unsuspecting people with false claims. Addressing the 16th Annual Conference of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Swakopmund, President Hifikepunye, Pohamba said he is disturbed by the claims of some dubious healers that they can cure HIV/Aids.
“Traditional leaders must be vigilant and protect their communities against bogus healers who con our people through promises that they would be healed from HIV/Aids. In this process many lose their valuable assets through these bogus elements. We must make sure that our people are not harmed by such elements and lose the little they have,” Pohamba explained. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi recently asked for the full participation by Cabinet to construct more health centres in rural areas. “Kamwi has the full support of the Cabinet and its minister and we are appealing to traditional leaders to consult with the ministry of health and social services with the establishment of health centres to make health care more accessible for the people,” he said. The president further reiterated that the HIV/Aids pandemic remains one of the greatest threats to the country’s national development agenda and efforts.
“The impact of HIV/Aids is felt at all levels of our society. Our government will continue to further strengthen cooperation with traditional leaders in order to provide effective responses to challenges posed by HIV/Aids, including stigmatization,” said the Head of State. “Therefore we encourage this partnership, because we all have an important role to play in combating the spread of HIV infections, and also in caring for those living with the disease,” the president said. He stressed that the government has prioritised prevention as the key strategy in addressing HIV/Aids, therefore the full participation of traditional leaders is needed in the fight against the scourge of HIV/Aids.
By Eveline de Klerk