UAC warns against stopping HIV treatment over prayer-healing claims

The Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) has warned people living with HIV against abandoning antiretroviral therapy (ART) following public claims that a person previously diagnosed with HIV had been healed through prayer.

In a statement, UAC said it respects freedom of worship and recognises the role religious leaders play in providing hope, counselling, compassion and support to people living with and affected by HIV.

However, the commission cautioned that claims concerning HIV diagnosis, treatment or cure must be based on established scientific evidence.

“At present, there is no scientifically validated cure for HIV available for routine clinical use,” UAC said.

The commission explained that HIV can currently be effectively controlled through ART, which suppresses the virus, protects the immune system and enables people living with HIV to live long and productive lives.

UAC also reminded the public that people living with HIV who consistently take ART and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus, a principle commonly referred to as Undetectable equals Untransmittable, or U=U.

The commission, however, stressed that viral suppression should not be confused with a cure.

The warning comes amid public claims that an individual previously diagnosed with HIV was no longer living with the virus following prayer.

UAC said such claims cannot be medically established through testimony, physical appearance, a prayer experience or a single HIV test.

Instead, it said, confirmation must be undertaken by qualified health professionals using Uganda’s nationally approved HIV-testing algorithm, alongside further clinical and laboratory investigations where necessary.

According to UAC, a negative HIV test following an earlier positive diagnosis requires careful examination of the original diagnosis, the tests used, the person’s treatment history and other relevant clinical information.

The commission has therefore advised people diagnosed with HIV to continue taking their medication exactly as prescribed, warning against stopping treatment on the advice of religious leaders, relatives or other people who are not responsible for their medical care.

“Interrupting ART can cause the virus to multiply, weaken the immune system, lead to illness, increase the risk of transmission and contribute to drug resistance,” UAC said.

The commission also appealed to religious leaders to exercise caution when speaking about alleged HIV cures.

It said claims of healing should not be presented to congregations as verified medical facts unless they have undergone appropriate clinical investigation.

Instead, faith leaders should encourage their followers to seek HIV testing from accredited health facilities, begin treatment when diagnosed, attend scheduled clinical reviews and continue using appropriate HIV-prevention services.

UAC said prayer and medical treatment should not be portrayed as mutually exclusive, encouraging people living with HIV to seek spiritual support while continuing with professional medical care and lifesaving treatment.

The commission also acknowledged the contribution of religious leaders and faith communities to the HIV response, particularly in promoting accurate information, treatment adherence, responsible prevention and compassion.

It urged religious leaders to use their influence to fight HIV-related stigma and discrimination rather than discourage people from seeking or continuing treatment.

UAC further appealed to the public not to stigmatise, ridicule or expose the identity of people associated with claims of HIV healing.

The commission said protecting people’s dignity remains important even as authorities work to ensure that the public receives accurate information about HIV.

Ugandans were encouraged to know their HIV status, use scientifically proven prevention options and, for those diagnosed with HIV, start and remain on treatment.

“Hope must always be accompanied by truth, responsibility and care,” UAC said.

The post UAC warns against stopping HIV treatment over prayer-healing claims appeared first on Daily Star.