Researchers call for ban on homeopathy' for diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB

Where homeopathy is being adopted as the best alternative system of medicine globally, doctors and scientists at the Voice of Young Science Network (UK) have asked WHO to ban homeopathy as a treatment for serious diseases, like HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB.

The move has been taken by the British researchers who say that homeopathy has caused death to the patients who chose homeopathy as an effective source of medicine, says Mail & Guardian.

The WHO functions in tandem with the national organizations that give their backing to homeopathy and additional alternative medicines in their public health programmes.

The newspaper writes, "Homeopathy practitioners have opened clinics throughout Asian and sub-Saharan Africa and boast of treating patients with HIV, malaria, influenza and childhood diarrhoea, none of which have been shown to respond to homeopathy. Many patients are told that conventional drugs work only temporarily and that homeopathic preparations are cheap and effective alternatives with fewer side effects."

The newspaper reports, "Homeopathic medicines are made by repeatedly diluting preparations with water until there is no trace left of the original compound" and have been found "usually no more effective than a placebo" in treating disease.”

Daniella says, "The WHO’s strategy is very unclear on homeopathy and that is shocking. Muallem, a biophysicist at University College London, who signed the letter, adding, "They are supposed to be articulating evidence-based medicine, but their stance is very wishy-washy.”

The researchers wrote a letter to WHO and highlighted homeopathy projects in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana and Botswana, which boast of treating malaria, HIV, diarrhea or the flu.

Mail & Guardian, "Those of us functioning with the most impoverished and rural people of the world already struggle to present the necessary medical help. When homeopathy stands in lieu of effective treatment, lives are lost.”