Local herbalists who recently met with Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy have agreed to drop the claims about cures being available for HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus).

The practitioners of alternative medicine also agreed that there is no known herbal preparation that could control HIV like the anti-retroviral drugs currently being used in Guyana and accessed by some 2,000 persons.

A statement from the Ministry of Health yesterday said that the agreements are a breakthrough given that many persons have fallen victims to the claims in the past around the world and locally.

"It is important that people know the facts because many unscrupulous persons utilize this vulnerability of persons living with HIV to mislead such persons to pay hefty sums of money in the hope that a herbal concoction could cure them," the statement said.

Herbalists who were at the meeting with the minister have given a commitment to work with those who are not members of the representative body [GAAM] to accept the position.

Ramsammy welcomed the new development and has expressed hope that all herbalists would further agree to refer HIV-infected persons who visit them to join a certified treatment programme. Further, he is calling on operators of television channels to be vigilant and not permit anyone to make claims of an HIV cure on the air.

Currently programmes are available at the GUM clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital; St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital; Davis Memorial Hospital; Campbellville Health Centre; New Amsterdam Hospital; Rosignol Health Centre; West Demerara Hospital, Suddie Hospital, Lethem Hospital; Linden Hospital and Mabaruma Hospital.

The Health Ministry is moving to regulate the practice of alternative medicine in Guyana and Ramsammy reiterated the need for the support of the herbalists.