27 out of 37 registered HIV/AIDS patients have been short listed to benefit from President Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh's herbal treatment of the virus.

The 27 patients yesterday, 10 male and 17 female, had voluntary counselling and testing at the Serrekunda Hospital and later these second batch of patients are expected to receive their treatment within a week.

Dr Tamsir Mbowe, Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare in an interview with the reporters soon after the counselling and testing process expressed delight with the patients for their positive turn out.

So far what I have seen is very impressive and the patients have responded very positively and we have clearly explained to them about the treatment procedures. They have accepted and have signed the Consent Form. About six different blood samples have been taken for the blood counts and their viral load.

The patients will also undergo chest X-ray to make sure that all necessary medical examinations are done before the start of treatment. We also collected urine samples from the patients.

This is to make sure that we get a full history and detailed laboratory investigation of the patients before the start of the treatment. But as we progress, we will also be taking samples to inform the whole world of the success of the treatment”, he said.

Dr Mbowe described the treatment as “transparent” which shows the whole world that President Jammeh has the ability, capability, power and herbal medications to treat patients with HIV/AIDS.

SoS Mbowe urged the already treated nine persons to encourage their partners to come forward and to undergo the treatment in order to avoid re-infection.