[Media release]
NZ researchers welcome WHO warning against homeopathy use
21st August 2009 – the World Health Organization has warned that people with conditions such as HIV, TB and malaria
should not rely on homeopathic treatments. New Zealand researchers Dr. Shaun Holt and Andrew Gilbey welcomed the
warning, but said that it does not go far enough.
“The WHO should have gone further and said what any scientist who has reviewed the evidence would say: homeopathy does
not work for any condition. It is not biologically plausible – the active ingredients have been diluted away. It has
never worked in a well-conducted research study and, in my opinion, is no better than witchcraft” said Dr. Holt.
Researcher and homeopathy critic Andrew Gilbey added, “I fully agree with Dr Holt - the WHO must protect vulnerable
people from the clever and insidious marketing of treatments that the developed world is now rejecting. Evidence clearly
shows it would be a miracle if homeopathy were to work for life-threatening conditions, or, indeed, any conditions!”
Doctors treating some of the most impoverished people in the world for conditions such as tuberculosis and diarrhoea in
children called for governments around the world to recognise the dangers of promoting homeopathy for life-threatening
illnesses. Dr Nick Beeching, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital added that
there was no objective evidence that homeopathy has any effect on these infections and told the BBC, “...I think it is
irresponsible for a healthcare worker to promote the use of homeopathy in place of proven treatment for any
life-threatening illness."
More information from the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8211925.stm
Shaun Holt
• Qualified Doctor and Pharmacist
• One of NZ’s most experienced medical researchers
• Author of 2008 best-seller “Natural Remedies that Really Work”
• Regular appearances on TV One’s Breakfast show and national radio shows
• Member of International Editorial Board of medical research journal FACT
About Dr Andrew Gilbey
• University academic
• Interests in alternative medicine, nutrition, loneliness, health benefits of pets, and aviation
• Member of International Editorial Board of medical research journal FACT
ENDS