Document 1073
 DOCN  M94A1073
 TI    Clinical experience of treating STD's with traditional medicines,
       leading to treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
 DT    9412
 AU    Manci M; NTRADAP, Johannesburg, South Africa.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(2):215 (abstract no. PB0873). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94371502
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS by utilizing and enhancing
       the experience gained in the practice of traditional medicines in
       treating STD's. METHOD: For years, the NTRADAP clinic has diagnosed and
       treated people with sexually transmitted diseases by using traditional
       healing methods, including herbal remedies, counselling, and STD
       prevention education. Symptoms and related diseases included gonorrhea,
       syphilis, diarrhea, mental illness, prolonged menstruation, skin wounds,
       night sweat and loss of sleep. From January 1993 to February 1994,
       NTRADAP clinic treated 202 HIV/AIDS patients (141 females, 43 males, and
       18 children) using similar methods. Herbs which have proven very
       effective in the treatment include Umathunga, Umthuma, Inguduza,
       Ntolwane, and Uphuzilomlambo. RESULTS: In gratitude, many patients
       return for repeat visits, along with their families who express
       satisfaction with the results of the treatment. Out of our 202 patients,
       one man and one woman died in their homes; and 3 children and one woman
       died in the hospital. Five patients were referred to a hospital because
       of unusual symptoms. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: The demand for improved
       health care and the initiative to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS has
       made the call for traditional healers and their methods an urgent one.
       To enhance the capabilities of the NTRADAP clinic, and of all
       traditional practitioners, we wish to modernize with computers (as
       information systems) and medical equipment. We will also coordinate
       programs for STD and HIV/AIDS education. Our plan for 1994 is to train
       4,000 traditional healers to incorporate HIV/AIDS prevention methods in
       their practice. Plus, we will expand literacy campaigns and income
       generation projects for traditional healers. And, traditional healers
       and medical hospitals will continue to exchange referrals.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/THERAPY  Adult  Child  Female  Human
       HIV Infections/*THERAPY  Male  Medicine, Herbal  *Medicine, Traditional
       Sexually Transmitted Diseases/*THERAPY  South Africa  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).