Online Reporter
H Metro Reporter
A Glendale-based traditional healer has blasted the twisted myth that raping minors can cure HIV/AIDS, calling it “pure evil from the dark world.”
Speaking during a National AIDS Council (NAC) meeting in Glendale on Wednesday, Peter “Sekuru Nyangatayani” Chingudzi said at his shrine, they respect the law and welcome HIV/ AIDS patients without stigma.
The meeting was chaired by NAC’s district aids coordinator, Mercy Mudhombo.
In his address at the meeting, Sekuru Nyangatayani said traditional healers also have the role to eradicate morale decay.
“As traditional healers we do not condone raping of minors as a way of curing HIV/AIDS as believed by some. That idea is of the dark world, and as traditional healers, we do not believe in that at all.
“It is hogwash.
“We have to eradicate morale decay, so we work hand in glove with the police. If we hear of these cases, we are quick to inform the police.
“Recently, we have aided the police in apprehending a criminal who had committed a similar offense,” said Sekuru Nyangatayani.
Sekuru Nyangatayani said he also offers assistance to HIV patients by encouraging them to take traditional medicine that boosts their immune system, in addition to encouraging them to take ARV treatment.
“We offer counselling to them, we also supply natural remedies to help boost their immune system and encourage them to take their medication as well,” he said.
Sekuru Nyangatayani’s advisor, Zvamaida Karidza, said they also offer condoms at their shrine.
“Where there is need, we offer contraceptives and condoms to our clients, which we get from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“Also, hygiene is of utmost importance at Sekuru’s Dare, and patients are provided with food as well as toilet and bathroom facilities. Razors and other sharp objects are not shared to avoid contamination,” Karidza said.
In her remarks, Mudhombo thanked Sekuru Nyangatayani for being a modern traditional healer, saying such efforts help to fight HIV.
Mathew Masinge