Doctor criticizes HIV patient for quitting treatment on pastor’s advice

A Nigerian doctor loses his temper over an HIV patient whose health became critical after their pastor urged them to pray instead of using treatment.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), @olawalesmd expressed frustration over a patient who stopped HIV treatment on a pastor’s recommendation.

The patient had initially seen significant improvements while on antiretroviral therapy (ARV), with tests showing undetectable viral loads.

However, after a church testimony claiming to be “healed,” the patient reportedly discontinued ARVs following the pastor’s advice. The HIV has since progressed to AIDS.

The doctor’s post read: “You were diagnosed with HIV. You started ARV. Your viral load started dropping until tests became negative. You gave testimony in church that you were healed, then Pastor said you should stop using ARVs. HIV returned this time with AIDS. You, your Pastor, all of you are mad.”

The case has sparked discussions about the dangers of abandoning medical treatment for spiritual reasons, highlighting the need for public health education on managing chronic illnesses like HIV.