In 2011, thousands of people in Tanzania and neighbouring countries flocked to the remote Samunge village in Ngorongoro, Arusha region for a cupful of retired pastor Ambikile Masapile's "miracle cure". Later on, the country experienced a proliferation of herbalists and faith healers who claimed that they can treat chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. With some imitating the dispensing of cupful of herbal concoctions .This has put the country in dilemma with critics warning that the government risks serious embarrassment for its apparent silent approval of a trend that has sparked medical concerns only to gain political mileage.
For almost a year , he is offering the medication for a mere Sh500 per cupful, the young and old and the low and mighty - drawn from all corners of the nation, the neighbouring countries and beyond - have been trooping to Samunge. Many have braved several nights in the cold in motor vehicles stuck in queues stretching up to 50 kilometres, determined to reach the cleric and receive their dose of the "miracle cure".Although he is no longer popular today, but a significant number of people have received his medicines.
Reflecting on this, one would ask a question as to why these people are flocking to Sumunge rather than going to the health facilities that are scattered through out the country? Does it mean that people have lost hope on the country's health care system? May be these questions might go beyond the national level to the global medical comunity, has the global community lost grip on care of chronic diseases?
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