The National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) has issued a firm warning against claims that HIV can be cured through faith healing or other non-medical means, saying such assertions are dangerous and threaten to undermine years of progress in controlling the disease.
In a statement seen by Radio Generation, NASCOP said it had noted “with serious concern” recent public claims suggesting that faith-based interventions can cure HIV.
The agency stressed that there is no cure for HIV but emphasized that the virus can be effectively managed through lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART).
“NASCOP wishes to clearly reaffirm that HIV has no cure, but it can be effectively controlled through lifelong antiretroviral therapy,” the statement said.
“When taken correctly, ART enables people living with HIV to live long, healthy, and productive lives and prevents onward transmission.”
Health officials warned that misleading claims about cures pose a real risk to people living with HIV, particularly if they lead patients to abandon or delay proven treatment.
According to NASCOP, stopping medication can result in severe illness, drug resistance, and even death.
“Claims that HIV can be cured through non-medical or unverified means are false, misleading, and dangerous,” the programme said.
“Such claims risk causing individuals to stop or delay treatment, exposing them to serious illness, drug resistance, and preventable death.”
The statement acknowledged the role of faith and spirituality as sources of comfort and encouragement for many Kenyans but cautioned against presenting them as alternatives to medical care.
NASCOP said decisions about HIV treatment should only be made by trained professionals in accredited health facilities.
“While faith and spirituality are important sources of hope and support for many Kenyans, they must not replace evidence-based medical care,” it said.
“HIV treatment should only be initiated, adjusted, or discontinued under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals.”
NASCOP urged people living with HIV to remain on their prescribed treatment without interruption, attend clinic appointments consistently, and seek guidance from health workers whenever they have concerns about their care.
The agency said adherence to treatment remains the cornerstone of Kenya’s HIV response.
Kenya has made significant gains in reducing HIV-related illness and deaths through science-driven policies, strong community engagement and sustained access to treatment.
Health authorities warned that misinformation could reverse these gains if left unchecked.
“Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against HIV through science-driven policies, community trust, and sustained access to treatment,” NASCOP said. “These hard-won gains must be protected.”
To counter misinformation, NASCOP said it is working closely with the Ministry of Health, county governments and relevant regulatory bodies to safeguard public health and uphold ethical medical practice.
