Tanzania: Scientist wary of Loliondo AIDS cure as services halted
By Own Correspondent – Despite an increase in a number of people flocking to Loliondo “curing cup” from within the country and abroad, experts have started to come out with queries on the efficacy of the cure. The cure conducted by retired Rev. Ambilikile Mwaisapile at a tiny Samunge Village in Loliondo is said to treat a dozen ailments including HIV/AIDS.
*Rumours of secrets visits of top African leaders on the increase
*Easter festival will not be usual to many as thirsty for the cup mounts
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, a health consultant with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Benet Fimbo talked of the cure as a “time bomb which will impact on the ongoing efforts to combat the disease.” He wondered at the rate of people who are now abandoning antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). “To me the issue is not about whether or not the herb is toxic, but the scientific proof that it cures the diseases so mentioned.”
The Minister of Healthy, Dr. Hajji Mponda a medical researcher himself was also wary of the efficacy saying though investigations are going on, but the government stand is that people should not substitute the treatment with hospital advice.
Loliondo queue
As the arguments and counter arguments on the cure linger on, hundreds of people are still moving to Loliondo even after the news that Reverend Mwasapile will stop serving the cup during the Easter holiday.
A Shout-Africa.com source in Loliondo area says once again the queue is long with cars stretching up to some 30 kilometres. More patients have vowed to stay there waiting the Easter holiday to pass over.
Kabilas Mother, Mama Sifa in Loliondo
Of recent, cabinet ministers have continued to flock the area. Local tabloids also reported that some Kenyan State House officials with their families visited and got the cup as well as the mother of DRC’s President, Joseph Kabila. Rumors of top Tanzanian, Uganda and South African politicians to have secretly visited the area are also piling up as Easter holiday creates a warming tension and quests for more people to access the cup.
