Belief in herbal cures for HIV in Tanzania

What is it about?

This study’s objective was to describe awareness of, access to, belief in, and utilization of the healing tea Kikombe cha babu and other alternative treatments for HIV in Tanzania. Results showed participants indicated a high awareness of alternative treatments available in Tanzania. Although only 6.0% had actually sought the treatment, 46.8% had an acquaintance seek it. 44.0% of people who had heard of these treatments believed it can cure HIV. Many people indicated having these alternative treatments available would lead to decreased condom use, no need to use condoms at all, and no need to take HIV treatment drugs.

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Why is it important?

Belief in alternative treatments to cure HIV in Tanzania is high and should be further explored due to the potential for such treatments to interfere with evidence-based prevention and treatment efforts.