RESPONSE TO REPORT OF NEW AIDS "CURE"

Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government - Department of Health

May 24 1998

RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF NEW AIDS "CURE"

The Saturday Star is to be complimented on its investigative reporting on the use of oxytherapy in relation to HIV/AIDS. Until these reports appeared this weekend, the Gauteng Department of Health was unaware of Shawn Stewart's Genesis Research Centre.

We recognise Mr Stewart's commitment to relieving the suffering of those who have HIV/AIDS but feel we must warn the public of the risks involved in his semi-clandestine use of dangerous substances as a method of treatment for AIDS.

• Firstly, people working in the field of HIV/AIDS will tell you that it is not unusual to see patients make amazing temporary recoveries like those described in the Saturday Star. With loving care good nutrition and effective ways to knock out infections (like pneumonia and tuberculosis), many extremely ill AIDS patients gain a new lease on life.

Hospices, hospitals and some traditional healers are achieving these results with some of the people they care for. Their work shows that we are not helpless in the face of HIV/AIDS. But we need to be clear that we are still talking about a respite from serious illness, not a permanent cure.

• Secondly, one of the forms of oxytherapy reportedly practised at the Gemini Centre involves nothing more or less than pumping diluted bleach into the body by means of an intravenous drip. Dr Chris Barnard has reportedly described the internal bleeding which resulted when he tried the same treatment by mouth to relieve his arthritis. The therapy is therefore clear. There is no benefit to be had from a treatment which partially eliminates the HIV virus, but indiscriminately attacks the body.

Because of the kind of risk involved, we believe that there is no ethically acceptable way to go in testing oxytherapy other than authorised clinical trials.

We anticipate that the Medicines Control Council will respond appropriately to the Saturday Star's reports.

Dr Liz Floyd Director for AIDS and Communicable Diseases

Released by the Directorate for Health Promotion & communications

Contacts:

Dr Liz Floyd 082 372 0552 Jo-Anne Collinge 082 574 5510