The National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and the Health NGOs Network (HENNET) have issued a strong warning against claims that HIV can be cured through faith-based or other non-medical methods, cautioning that such messages are dangerous and threaten the progress made in Kenya’s fight against the virus.
In a joint statement, NASCOP reiterated that HIV has no cure, but can be effectively managed through lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). When taken consistently and correctly, ART allows people living with HIV to live long, healthy, and productive lives while preventing the virus from being transmitted to others.
“NASCOP wishes to clearly reaffirm that HIV has no cure, but it can be effectively controlled through lifelong antiretroviral therapy,” the agency stated. “When taken correctly, ART enables people living with HIV to live long, healthy, and productive lives and prevents onward transmission.”
The agency expressed concern over recent claims circulating on social media and in public forums that faith-based healing or other unverified approaches can eliminate HIV. NASCOP described such messages as false, misleading, and a direct threat to public health.
“Claims that HIV can be cured through non-medical or unverified means are false, misleading, and dangerous,” NASCOP warned. “Such claims risk causing individuals to stop or delay treatment, exposing them to serious illness, drug resistance, and preventable death.”
While acknowledging the role of faith and spirituality in society, health authorities stressed that belief should never replace evidence-based medical care. Decisions about starting, adjusting, or stopping HIV treatment must only be made by qualified healthcare professionals at accredited facilities.
“While faith and spirituality are important sources of hope and support for many Kenyans, they must not replace evidence-based medical care,” NASCOP said, urging people living with HIV to stay on treatment, attend clinic appointments, and seek guidance from trained health workers if they have concerns.
The agency highlighted that science-led policies, community trust, and consistent access to ART have been instrumental in Kenya’s progress against HIV and that these hard-won gains must be safeguarded. NASCOP is working closely with the Ministry of Health, county governments, and regulatory bodies to combat misinformation and ensure ethical medical practice.
HENNET echoed NASCOP’s warning, reiterating that lifelong ART effectively controls the virus and prevents transmission. The network also stressed that faith and spirituality should complement but never replace medical treatment.
“Faith and spirituality provide vital hope and support, but they must complement, not replace, evidence-based medical treatment,” HENNET said. The network urged all Kenyans living with HIV to remain on treatment and consult qualified health professionals for care.
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