Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Medical doctor and former minister of health Dr Bernhard Haufiku has called for a ban on all commercial advertisements in the health domain, citing concerns about misinformation and ethical violations.
Haufiku made the remarks in response to an advertisement for supplements made in WhatsApp groups claiming to treat and heal diseases and chronic medical conditions, such as ulcers, diabetes, cholesterol, and many others.
“This is part of medical misinformation that needs to be restricted. Actually, all forms of commercial ads in the health domain should be banned. They are highly misleading and confuse the public,” he said.
NeoLife, one of the companies promoting these products, advertises a range of health supplements, including aloe vera juice.
One such advertisement claims the product is suitable for individuals struggling with ulcers, acidity, H. pylori, gastritis, bloating, GERD, and haemorrhoids.
Haufiku, however, warned that such claims are misleading and could pose a significant risk to public health.
He expressed concerns about unverified claims made by sellers of nutritional supplements, which he said are “unscientific and highly unethical.”
“Advertising food supplements and untested complementary products and claiming they treat and heal well-known diseases such as peptic ulcer diseases and many other medical conditions must therefore be banned straight away,” he added.
Haufiku said he is about commercial adverts for supplements and vitamins in the name of curing diseases.
“This is wrong, misleading, and highly unethical. It is certainly not in the interest of public health but rather a money-making scheme for those involved,” he said.
According to Haufiku, owners of these supplements or complementary products may sell them without enticing the public to buy into their misinformation.
He pointed out that the supplement industry is a lucrative sector, valued at approximately USD 6 billion, and said that it is the responsibility of the state, healthcare professionals, the public, and the media to protect citizens from exploitative practices.
He also criticised radio stations for airing misleading health product advertisements.
Haufiku also highlighted the broader issue of misinformation, including claims made by certain churches and prophets.
“These too must be banned,” he said.
Approached for comment, an agent of NeoLife products declined to be quoted.
Generally, the agents send out messages claiming that the supplements are both natural and organic.
“They help your body cure itself by boosting your immune system,” reads their messages.
The messages also claim that the pharmaceutical industry is “threatened by nutritional supplements,” and that NeoLife adheres to high safety and quality standards.
Other products on the market include Kangen water, which is said to heal wounds, help with weight loss, control blood pressure, and many other conditions.
Attempts to obtain a response from the minister of health and social services, Kalumbi Shangula, were unsuccessful at the time of going to print.
