Outcomes and effects of homeopathic treatment of malaria in Kenya, a multi-centre study

Abstract

Abstract.
 In Kenya malaria is the leading cause for illness and death; homeopathy is used for many years to treat this disease. A previous study in Ghana in 1996, showed comparable effects of homeopathy and chloroquine. Methods: In three studies we documented homeopathic treatment in a retrospective qualitative study, a prospective single arm study, and a comparison between one cohort receiving homeopathic treatment and the other artemether. Results: In the qualitative retrospective study (2014) (n=54), we related typical malaria and individual symptoms, with remedy prescriptions and affected organs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed, that specific remedies were prescribed for patterns of affected organs . In the prospective study (2014) (n=70), the primary outcome was the parasitological status at the first follow up (median 8 days), secondary outcome was the quality of life measure with Outcome Related to Impact on Daily Life. 
 In the third study, of the group (n=79) (b) exposed to homeopathy, n=6 (a) were still parasite-positive after one week, in the control (co-artem) group of n=35 (c) no patient was positive (d). The odds ratio was 5.8068 (95% CI 0.3183 – 105.8794), with z = 1.187 and P = 0.2352. The difference was not statistically significant; homeopathic remedies and coartem tablets had similar effect for uncomplicated malaria in that region. Co-morbidity was treated with different remedies. 
 Conclusion: Homeopathic treatment can be used as a valuable option, also when other treatments are ineffective by microbial resistance, not indicated (as in pregnancy) and financially not affordable. 
 Key words: malaria, homeopathy, artemether, comparative study, cohort study, plasmodium, ORIDL