President's 'HIV cure' condemned
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6323449.stm

A claim by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh that he can cure Aids in three days has been lambasted by a leading South African HIV/Aids specialist

Mr Jammeh said last month he had begun treating 10 patients on Thursdays with secret medicinal herb ingredients.

His health minister backs his claims, saying in trials so far patients had gained weight and physically improved.

"I can treat asthma and HIV/Aids... Within three days the person should be tested again and I can tell you that he/she will be negative," he said in a statement.

"I am not a witch doctor and in fact you cannot have a witch doctor. You are either a witch or a doctor."

Gambian Health Minister Tamsir Mbow says the herbal medicines are taken orally and applied to the body.

"We cannot actually tell you the type of herbs we are using presently, it will be known to the whole world later on," Dr Mbow told the BBC.

One of the patients currently undergoing the treatment is Gambian university lecturer Ousman Sowe.

"I've noticed I've increased weight substantially over the last 10 days. I am no longer suffering from constipation, but we have yet to receive result of the tests," he told the BBC.

"I have 100% confidence in the president and I'm taking the medication with all confidence."