Sense About Science: homeopathy & malaria
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The Society supports the right of the individual to make an informed choice when considering preventative treatment. It considers informed choice to be especially important in an area in which anti-malarial drugs have clear limitations in their ability to protect against all forms of malaria, in addition to numerous well-documented adverse side effects. It also observes that many questions remain unanswered, including how many of those who die from malaria each year in the UK actually took anti-malarial drugs? Clearly, the whole area of preventative medicine needs further research.
For the public reassurance, registered members of The Society of Homeopaths (identifiable by their designation RSHom) are bound by a strict Code of Ethics & Practice (available on our website at www.homeopathy-soh.org). This clearly states that “all speculative theories will be stated as such and clearly distinguished.” [section 11] We do consider anecdotal evidence to be speculative theory.
The Code of Ethics & Practice also states that “if a patient is considered to be suffering any adverse effects from currently or previously prescribed medication, previous surgery or other medical intervention, a homeopath may draw this to the patient’s attention. It may be appropriate, with the patient’s consent, to refer them back to the person having clinical responsibility for the patient at that time, with an explanatory letter.” [section 26]
The Society of Homeopaths takes any alleged breach of its Code of Ethics & Practice very seriously and we must follow a due process when dealing with any allegation.
Our members have recently been issued a reminder of their obligations under the Society’s Code of Ethics & Practice and Core Criteria for Homeopathy, including the importance of making patients aware of treatments other than homeopathy, which, in the case of malaria include bite prevention measures such as covering up exposed skin, using repellent and mosquito nets plus anti-malarial drugs.
The research conducted by Sense About Science failed to identify the homeopaths interviewed. Not all homeopaths are registered members of The Society. Nevertheless, any alleged breach by a registered member, of The Society’s Code of Ethics & Practice, will be investigated by our Professional Conduct Department.
The Society acknowledges that the evidence to support the use of homeopathic prophylactics is largely anecdotal. In accordance with section eleven of the Code of Ethics and Practice, members are reminded of the importance of advising patients that the use of this method is therefore currently speculative.
