TAC Supports Traditional Healers

This is an archive of the Treatment Action Campaign's public documents from December 1998 until October 2008. I created this website because the TAC's website appears unmaintained and people were concerned that it
was becoming increasingly hard to find important documents.

The menu items have been slightly edited and a new stylesheet applied to the site. But none of the documents have been edited, not even for minor errors. The text appears on this site as obtained from the Internet Archive.

The period covered by the archive encompassed the campaign for HIV medicines, the civil disobedience campaigns, the Competition Commission complaints, the 2008 xenophobic violence and the PMTCT, Khayelitsha health workers and Matthias Rath court cases.

23 November 2004

Contents

TAC statement on THO March to TAC offices

TAC exposes profiteer Matthias Rath

Minister of Health blocks the Medicines Control Council from litigating against Matthias Rath

Text extracts of THO/Rath statements defaming the TAC

TAC Supports Traditional Healers

TAC calls for investment into and regulation of traditional medicine

On 23 November the Traditional Healers' Organisation (THO) and the Dr Rath Foundation will demonstrate outside TAC offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The THO and Rath complain that TAC only promotes antiretrovirals for HIV/AIDS treatment and that TAC ignores traditional medicines and nutrition. The TAC says this is not true.

The TAC recognises the role of traditional healers in caring for both the psychological and physical well-being of many people in South Africa. We also believe that nutrition is central to HIV/AIDS care.

TAC supports the following campaigns for traditional healers:

The TAC believes that there are traditional medicines that work but proof of their safety and efficacy requires scientific data. Therefore we applaud the efforts by the Medical Research Council Traditional Medicines Research Unit and government to research traditional medicines. The TAC supports the call by traditional-healers for more investment into researching traditional medicines.
Many people use traditional medicines, but they continue to die of AIDS. This shows why it is important to invest more money into researching traditional medicines so that safe and effective treatments can be identified, and that medicines that harm people can be withdrawn. It also shows that traditional healers should be trained about the latest science and treatment of HIV/AIDS so they can advise their patients better.
Pharmaceutical companies that use traditional medicines in their products must compensate the communities that developed them. Intellectual property protection for traditional medicines is necessary so that communities and traditional healers benefit from money made through the sale of pharmaceutical products that contain traditional medicines.
The implementation of government's Operational Plan for Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care, Management and Treatment for South Africa will be more successful if traditional healers are part of it. This would mean providing training to traditional healers on the science, prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS.

The THO has made inaccurate allegations against the TAC which we correct here:

The TAC is independent of the pharmaceutical industry and receives no funding from them (See details of TAC's finances at

). We are frequently in conflict with pharmaceutical companies. Our finances are open for public scrutiny and a model of good governance. We challenge Rath and the THO to produce any evidence that improperly links TAC to any drug company. Our sources of funding and our audited statements are on our website for all to see. We demand that THO and Dr. Rath declare all their sources of funding and how they spend it.

The TAC does not ignore the side-effects of antiretroviral medicines. Side-effects are discussed in detail at our workshops and in our pamphlets and booklets on antiretrovirals. We use these medicines and it is in our interest to ensure that side-effects are detected and managed.
The TAC does not ignore nutrition, but considers it a vital part of the management of HIV. This is why we have published widely distributed fact sheets on nutrition and why nutrition is a topic of our treatment literacy workshops (see

). We demand that government provides food parcels to every person who needs them. But, nutrition is not enough for people with AIDS.

The TAC does not campaign only for antiretroviral medicines. We support the use of any medicine that has been demonstrated in scientific tests to be safe and effective for treating HIV opportunistic infections, including cotrimoxazole, acyclovir, fluconazole and many others. We have supported government legislation to make all medicines more affordable.
The TAC is not aware of a single occasion where an official TAC spokesperson or communication has dismissed traditional medicine without examining the evidence, as the THO alleges.
The THO accuses the TAC of not promoting traditional medicines because we have not researched them. We have asked the THO before for scientific information on safe and effective traditional medicines but have received nothing. In fact, TAC paid for a joint workshop held in Gauteng with the THO. The THO leaders say they are the country's largest representative of traditional healers. They are therefore primarily responsible for providing accurate, evidence-based information on traditional medicines to the TAC and the public.

We believe these are areas of disagreement between the TAC and the THO:

While TAC supports traditional healers, many people are being exploited by some unethical traditional healers who claim to have cures for AIDS.
Only medicines which have been shown to be safe and effective using scientific tests should be promoted. In South Africa, the Medicines Control Council (MCC) is responsible for determining which medicines are safe and effective.
Traditional healers should be regulated as with other health professions. This is to protect consumers from some traditional healers who act unethically. It is also necessary to protect the reputation and practices of traditional healers.
The distinction between "western medicines" and "traditional medicines" is wrong and racist. The science of medicine has been developed by communities all over the world. We should only judge medicines by whether they have been scientifically tested or not.
The public interest and law require that any product that makes any health claim should demonstrate safety, efficacy and quality. This applies to everyone who sells "treatments", "cures" and "medicines".

We ask the THO to answer the following questions:

1. Which traditional medicines have been shown to be safe and effective for treating HIV/AIDS?

2. What is the THO doing to inform the public about these medicines as well as their correct use?

3. Will the THO publish a list of all herbs and compounds that it recommends for every illness with the evidence of safety and efficacy?

4. What is the THO's policy for dealing with traditional healers who act unethically?

5. Why is the THO's march being supported by people such as Anthony Brink who deny that HIV causes AIDS?

TAC wants to work with traditional healers

The TAC is saddened that THO leaders have chosen to march against us. We call for traditional healers from all organisations including THO to work together and genuinely promote responsible use of traditional medicines.

We warn that Dr Rath has financial interests in selling his own products. He has been stopped from advertising them in England because he makes false claims. Now he may be trying to sell his unproven and possibly dangerous medicines to poor people in poor countries.

South Africa is reforming its health-care system; traditional healers must not be left out. But, alliances with companies like that of the Rath Foundation will discredit and divide traditional healers.

[END OF STATEMENT ON THO MARCH -

BACK TO CONTENTS]

Warning: Who is Dr. Matthias Rath and what is he selling?

Dr. Matthias Rath has recently begun working with the Traditional Healers' Organisation to mislead the public on HIV/AIDS and the work of the Treatment Action Campaign.

Dr. Rath promotes himself as free from interests in the pharmaceutical industry, but he owns a pharmaceutical company that sells vitamin products. He is the founder, Managing Director and President of Matthias Rath Inc. Dr. Rath should be asked for full information on his profits, sales and products.
Dr Rath promotes himself as someone who sells natural remedies as opposed to the synthetic medicines of pharmaceutical companies. He attacks the unethical behaviour of pharmaceutical companies. But his products are also synthetic as with any other pharmaceutical product. His pharmaceutical company is worse than other pharmaceutical companies because it ignores the laws for testing and advertising medicines.
Dr. Rath claims to campaign against pharmaceutical company profiteering and their patents, but he owns at least five patents in the United States! (Patents: 6693129, 6686340, 5650418, 5278189, 5230996 - thank you to Bukopharma, an organisation based in Germany that monitors pharmaceutical companies, for supplying this.)
The Medicines Control Council (MCC) is the organisation tasked with approving medicines that have been tested and found to be safe and effective. We ask why does Dr. Rath not want his products to be tested by the MCC?
The British Advertising Standards Authority has forced Dr. Rath to remove his advertising for treatments as they were unsupported by evidence and misled the public. See: http://www.asa.org.uk/adjudications/show_adjudication.asp?adjudication_id=30238&from_index=by_sector&dates_of_adjudications_id=all

Dr Rath’s products are not allowed to be sold in Switzerland. They are not approved as medicines or nutritional supplements. See: http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/rath.html

The Food and Drug Administration in the USA has cautioned Dr. Rath for advertising certain of his products in contravention of US law. Dr. Rath claims they have health benefits which means they should be classified as medicines, but no evidence of their safety or effectiveness has been provided. See: http://www.fda.gov/cder/warn/cyber/2002/CFSANvitacor.htm

Because he is not allowed to promote his products in the US, UK, Germany and Switzerland, Dr Rath may now be trying to sell his products to poor people in poor countries. He has recently started to advertise in South African newspapers.
Dr Rath’s company website advertises a range of products. Despite his claims that these products cure or prevent many diseases, the adverts include the disclaimer that "This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
The prices of the products from Matthias Rath Ltd are extortionate. His basic vitamin tablets cost $29.95 per month – equivalent to R180 per month. The more expensive combinations of tablets can cost people up to R3,500 per month. Dr Rath's interest is in making money from unproven and possibly dangerous products, not helping people as he claims.
Some of the pills produced by Matthias Rath Ltd contain quantities of vitamins which are three times over the recommended daily intake. He sells doses so large that they are illegal in Germany.
Dr Matthias Rath is an AIDS Denialist. Dr Rath rejects the overwhelming evidence that HIV causes AIDS. He also states that the primary cause of heart attacks, strokes, cancer and other diseases is a lack of vitamins. He appears not to recognise the role of the other 300+ accepted factors linked to these diseases.
Dr Rath claims that "Our research has shown that a combination of vitamin C with the natural amino acids lysine, proline, and specific extracts from green tea can block the invasion of cancer cells" (www.stopping-cancer-naturally.org). However, the Swiss Study Group for Complementary and Alternative Methods in Cancer, have found no proof that any of Dr Rath’s products have any impact upon human cancer.

We all want cures for the diseases that afflict us. Even though medical science has improved tremendously over the last few hundred years, there are still many unanswered questions. There are seldom quick and easy solutions. Dr. Rath is taking advantage of people with real problems and offering them quick and easy fixes which are expensive and do not work. We urge you not to be deceived by him.

[END OF STATEMENT ON RATH - BACK TO CONTENTS]]

Minister of Health blocks MCC from litigating against Matthias Rath

In recent months, Dr. Matthias Rath has run a series of libelous attack advertisements on the South African Medicines Control Council in the Mail & Guardian. Rath accuses the MCC of being in the pockets of drug companies. The TAC has learnt that the Minister of Health blocked the MCC from litigating against Rath for defamation. We therefore ask the Minister of Health:

Why are you protecting Matthias Rath?
Why have you not come to the defence of the MCC?
Matthias Rath has on a number of occasions stated that he supports you. Are you prepared to distance yourself publicly from Matthias Rath and his theories?

[END OF STATEMENT ON MINISTER OF HEALTH AND RATH - BACK TO CONTENTS
]

Extracts of text from THO statements and pamphlets

We reprint below extracts from THO statements and pamphlets released in the last few days which demonstrate the false allegations they have made against the TAC.

"On Wednesday the 17th of November 2004 the Traditional Healers Organization (THO) and the Dr. Rath Health Foundation announced in a joint press statement that they stand united against the "profit over people strategy" of the pharmaceutical investment business with disease in South Africa."

"The THO, the largest Traditional Healer formation in the country and a member organization of the pharmaceutically connected TAC, will Picket the Treatment Action Campaign’s (TAC’s) Gauteng Provincial Office and the National Office in Cape Town simultaneously on Tuesday the 23rd of November 2004."

"This is an opportune time for these pickets as it coincides with the sixteen days of activism on violence against women and children. It is mainly women and children who are affected by HIV/AIDS and that are being abused by the lack of information on African Traditional Medicines and other treatment options, not to mention being given drugs like AZT and Nevirapin that have devastating side effects. There is nothing more violent than giving an innocent child, who has no choice, deadly drug that impact on their long term health."

"The reason for the picket is that we believe the general public should be fully informed about the deadly side effects of anti-retroviral (ARVs) treatments which the TAC, pharmaceutical companies and the media tend to ignore or down play the major side effects and the stringent compliance issues. We are also picketing to let them know that they should promote information on all forms of treatments, not just ARVs. They must stop misinforming the public about the safety and efficacy issues in relation to African Traditional Medicines (ATMs), Complementary Medicines (CMs), supplements and good nutrition. Numerous times the TAC, pharmaceutical companies and the media slander and ridicule ATMs, CMs, supplements and nutrition without reason, their statements are totally unfounded. When they are informed about research evidence they denounce the evidence without even looking at any of the materials. This must stop and people must be fully informed so as to make the best decision for their own health, whether it be the choice to use ARVs, TMs, CMs, supplements or good nutrition solely or in combination, that is the individual’s choice."

"The TAC and PMA have ridiculed Traditional Medicine and Traditional Health Practitioners consistently without basis for too long. To attempt to put down those people who advocate for ATM, CMs, supplements and nutrition by calling them ‘quacks’ and the like is a true indication of disrespect and bears testimony to the fact that the TAC and the PMA do not take Traditional Medicines and the profession seriously. They only use Traditional Health Practitioners as stooges to promote their own agenda, stealing valuable Indigenous Knowledge (IK), which is used as the basis for making western drugs where they isolate and synthesise these natural substances. None of the knowledge that is stolen from Traditional Healers globally is ever acknowledged and the pharmaceutical cartels make a fortune off the backs of Traditional Health Practitioners by making synthetic drugs with massive side effects. The original natural products in 99.9% of cases when used correctly do not have side effects. It is amazing that the pharmaceutical industry and the TAC can continue to ridicule ATMs, other CMs, supplements and good nutrition when more than 60% of western drugs are based on natural traditional medicines. We ask why western medicine bases their drugs on Traditional Medicines if they are not effective? The only reason pharmaceutical companies synthesise these Traditional Medicines is for patenting reasons so they can make a fortune in royalties from IK, as natural products are not able to be patented."

"This nation currently faces an unprecedented attack from two sides on the rights of our people to have free access to life saving natural and Traditional Medicines:

"1.The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has been financially groomed by the Rockefeller Foundation, which holds shares in over 200 pharmaceutical corporations. The Rockefeller family was historically the driving force behind the creation of what is known today as the pharmceutical investment business. A major part of this years funding comes from the Atlantic Philantrophies, where a member of the board of directors is the financial advisor of the Rockefeller family. Accordingly TAC tries to silence all critics of the devastating side effects and ineffectivesness of AIDS Drugs (ARVs) and promoters of non-toxic natural treatments such as ATMs and essential nutrients. With their budget of R18 million this year, the TAC conducts massive public campaigns to coerce the South African government into distributing these toxic pharmaceutical drugs to the most vulnerable parts of its population. Sadly, most low-ranking members and supporters of the TAC are completely unaware that the organisation has been directed to advance the financial interests of the pharmaceutical business with disease. With two out of three drugs on the world market produced under patent protection in the US and the UK alone, the health care systems of the 200 countries of the world are being held hostage in this new form or Pharmaceutical Colonialism.

"2.In order to ensure futher billion-rand profits from the sale of patented synthethic drugs the pharmaceutical industry is abusing its financial influence over the Medicines Control Council (MCC) to ban all natural and traditional therapies in South Africa. The MCC proposed recently to put all natural therapies under a pharmaceutical regulatory control system that will effectively outlaw all natural options to the toxic, mostly ineffective but extremely profitable, synthetic drugs of the pharmaceutical industry. This ban would make traditional and natural medicine inaccessible to those most in need in Sout Africa, namely the poor and black population. MCC’s decision making external consultants are supposed to protect the people from dangerous pharmaceutical. Unbeknown to the public and government these people who have only the interests of the industry in mind, not the health of the people. In fear of a public lawsuit that might reveal the full extent of this scandal the MCC no longer challenges public statements by the Dr. Rath Health Foundation that all of its decision-making members are directly or indirectly on the payroll of the pharmaceutical industry."

"The THO supports the enlightened position of the South African government toward African Traditonal Medicines and natural therapies. However, we see these nobel efforts being sabotaged by unaccountable individuals and institutions at lower levels who refuse or are not willing to implement the government policies for the people."

"We DEMAND: ...

The TAC disclose all their indirect financial connections with pharmaceutical investment groups; and that they be disbanded to be substituted by a truly independent organisation that fulfills the TAC Constiution and informes the South African public comprehensively about the full story on all forms of treatment options – ATMs, CMs, supplements, good nutrition and ARVs.

A formal investigation into the MCC’s decision-making members’ financial conflict of interests, to root out the drug industry’s influence once and for all."

"The TAC ... be disbanded"

"Dr. Matthias Rath is the world renowned researcher for natural health therapies who led the scientific breakthrough against cardiovascular disease, cancer and viral diseases by natural means. He is the founder of the Dr. Rath Health Foundation that is leading the worldwide struggle against the interests of the pharmaceutical investment business with disease and for free access to life saving natural therapies. With his campaign "Break the Chains of Pharmaceutical Colonialism", the Dr. Rath Health Foundation supports the fight of the South African people and the government to make effective and affordable natural health a reality for all."

"More than 60% of western medicines are based on Traditional Medicines. Traditional Healers from around the globe benefit nothing from this while pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars and these medicines are not as effective as the natural product that were modeled from - a Traditional Medicine. Scientists and Pharmacists take the natural product, isolate a certain ingredient and make a synthetic (not natural) version of the active ingredient. Then they state that Traditional Medicines do not work. They steal the information, make money, then slander Traditional Medicines and misrepresent them by talking of side effects and the like.

"The fact is Traditional Medicines are not the ones with the side effects. It is the process of isolating one ingredient that causes the side effects. Scientists do not realise that God made the plants as a whole with all ingredients having their purpose. The so called ‘active ingredient’ may be the one that treats a particular illness but the other substances are necessary to balance that ingredient and prevent side effects."

"The TAC should leave the government to do its work."

"The government had justifiable concerns about the ARV rollout being unsure of the full benefits of ARVs weighed against the severe side effects; they are concerned about the long term health of the nation, not band-aid tactics that worsen the severity of the situation in the end. The concerns are correct and structures still are not in place and the people and medical staff are not informed about the compliance issues and side effects.

"The TAC must stop these intimidatory tactics toward the government. These tactics only assist the pharmaceutical cartels and definitely not the people of South Africa. The government is attempting to ensure that the people of South Africa are fully aware of all aspects of ARV treatment and that all necessary processes are in place to guarantee appropriate access to treatment, information and food are available first and foremost.

"The TAC forced the government to implement the rollout of ARV before staff were trained, food guaranteed, an assurance that government could prvide enough ARVs and full information given to the general public in relation to the drastic side effects of ARVs."

[END OF EXTRACTS OF THO STATEMENTS - BACK TO CONTENTS]

[END OF NEWSLETTER]