MPs have expressed shock today after it has been reported by the BBC that at least 3 people have died after they stopped taking their HIV medication on the advice of evangelical pastors.

Professor Jane Anderson, director of the Centre for the Study of Sexual Health and HIV in Hackney reported that she often sees patients who come expressing the belief that “if they pray frequently enough, their HIV will somehow be cured.”

Pamela Nash MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV and AIDS said:

“I am terribly saddened to see the results of the BBC London investigation; it is sickening and deeply irresponsible for pastors to discourage people living with HIV from taking the very medication that is keeping them alive. Action must be taken against this growing problem to prevent more needless deaths. My thoughts are with the families of those who have died."

Lord Fowler, Chair of the recent House of Lord’s Select Committee on HIV and AIDS and former health minister also strongly condemned pastors giving this advice, saying: "It's dangerous to the public and dangerous in terms of public health."

HIV prevention charity African Health Policy Network (AHPN) says a growing number of London churches have been telling people the power of prayer will "cure" their infections. Although one of the churches named in the BBC report, the Synagogue Church of All Nations denied that it advised members of its congregation to stop taking their medication, "HIV-Aids healing" is listed on the church's website among "miracles" it says it can perform.