Zimbabwean Prophet Walter Magaya on Thursday retracted claims that he had found a cure for HIV after intense political pressure.
His claims were dismissed by the World Health Organisation, the United Nations and other medical bodies in the country.
Speaking at a conference with Minister of Health Obadiah Moyo, Magaya said he was first going to undertake clinical trials for his product.
“I took heed of what government and relevant boards have asked me to do to retract my earlier claim, which I am now doing,” he said.
“I apologise to them and the public. Having carried the research from outside the country, I went on to announce the results without following the necessary procedures. I apologize once again. Together we are going to work towards running intensive clinical trials for Aguma.”
Moyo accepted Magaya’s apology and announced that they were working together to test the herb.
Magaya was too quick to announce his discovery without realising the impact of his message and his popularity and disregarded the facts in the regulation of medicines in the country. He now appreciates that there are regulations.
“I want to reiterate that please carry on with your medicines, Magaya’s medicine has not yet been approved. It’s unfortunate that Magaya did not have all regulations in place,” Moyo said.
Zimbabwe holds new discoveries in high esteem, however requires that they go through scientifically proven processes first. As it stands, it is now a step closer to being scientifically proven.
