By Shapi Shacinda
LUSAKA (Reuters) – Zambia has launched clinical trials of
herbal medicines for AIDS, and early signs are hopeful they
could help boost the body’s defenses, a government health
official said on Wednesday.
Dr Patrick Chikusu, principal investigator of clinical
trials of traditional herbal remedies, said three herbal drugs
had been selected for the trials, including a remedy mixed by
former Works and Supply Minister Ludwig Sondashi, a lawyer.
“We have started clinical trials for three products on
human beings. The process has undergone extensive research by
our team and we have met World Health Organization (WHO)
specifications,” Chikusu told a news conference.
“The drugs show they are able to reduce the viral load and
increase CD4 cells, which defend the body, and that is why we
have proceeded with further trials. We have been using WHO 2003
guidelines on herbal remedies,” Chikusu said. “They are also
safe,” he added.
CD4 cells are the front line of the body’s immune system.
One in five Zambians is infected with HIV or is living with
AIDS. The country has 10 million people.
Chikusu, a medical doctor, said 14 natural remedies were
initially submitted for preliminary tests, but only three had
made it to the final stage of clinical trials.
Health Minister Sylvia Masebo said the three drugs had been
checked thoroughly to ensure they were not toxic.
“It is a momentous occasion for Zambia which establishes a
partnership between conventional medicine and traditional
medicine,” Masebo told reporters at the same news conference.
Chikusu said 25 patients had been placed on the three
herbal remedies on a three-month trial basis.
He identified the remedies as the Sondashi Formulation
invented by the former minister, the Mailacin Formulation,
which was developed by a school teacher, and the Mayeyanin
Formulation.
Doctors say that despite some price rebates to poor
countries and limited government assistance, Western-made
life-prolonging antiretroviral drugs cost as much as $500 per
monthly dose in Zambia, well beyond the reach of many poor
people with HIV.
Like most countries across southern Africa, Zambia has been
grappling with ways to reduce HIV infections. The country’s
treasury says AIDS is killing qualified professionals faster
than it is able to train replacements.
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