The HIV and AIDS treatment of Gambia’s ex ruler Yahya Jammeh was a success, the former director of presidential treatment programme, Dr Tamsir Mbowe, has told the Janneh Commission.
Jammeh claimed he cures AIDS with a cocktail of herbal dose, an ingredient of which he has declined to be subjected to an independent medical test.
Several people who went through the pogramme said they were used as lab rats and are now preparing a legal action against the former ruler.
His first patient, Lamin Ceesay, told journalists about two months ago that he has lost his wife to the HIV treatment.
Dr Mbowe, who was summoned by the Janneh Commission in connection with the treatment programme initiated in 2007, claimed the treatment was successful and the number of death was not more than six.
Mbowe was responsible for the clinical aspect of the programme to monitor the condition of the patients, so he told the lead council of the Commission Amie Bensouda.
He said Ansumana Jammeh, ex ruler’s cousin with no known connection to medical field, was responsible for the medication of the treatment programme.
Mbowe said Jammeh was the “lead doctor” while he was the clinical expert but has no idea whether Jammeh was a registered medical doctor or not.
He also said he has not seen any certificate that confirms to him that Jammeh was a medical doctor.
Dr Mbowe revealed that he was paid by Jammeh at a tune of D21, 500.
Mbowe said Jammeh appointed 48 staff for the programme but he has no records of them.
By Mustapha K. Darboe