October 14, 2010

HIV-Positive Teens Choose Religion Over Meds in Uganda

A growing number of HIV-positive teens in Uganda are discarding life-sustaining medications after turning to religion for help, PlusNews reports. Coordinators from the Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Uganda have noticed more teens withdrawing from treatment after finding a bogus cure through religious leaders. They also noted the practice was more common among Pentecostal churches and that peer pressure was a factor. To fight this fad, local HIV service providers recommend that spiritual counseling be included as part of patient care.
 
To read the PlusNews article, click here.

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