Can Gecko Cure AIDS?

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) dismissed rumors that geckos or 'tuko' can cure AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and warned the public against consuming the geckos.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona expressed concern that the public may resort to alternative medicine rather than seek help from health experts.

“Palagay ko mas nakakasama pa ito sa ating mga kabababayan dahil rather than going into ‘yung mga gamot na makakatulong sa kanila, e baka ito pa ang binibili nila,” said Ona.

“There are no scientific evidence that is published on the Internet or even in our journals or books saying that ang enzymes na galing sa tuko (gecko) ay nakakagamot nga,” Dr. Jose Gerald Belimac said.

Residents of the province began collecting geckos as reports spread that large geckos sell for P400,000 per kilo, becoming a cause for alarm for the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Walang nagpo-promote na may alam tungkol sa HIV or AIDS ang paggamit ng tuko. Sa katunayan, bawal sa ating bansa ang magkalat ng maling impormasyon,” said Chairperson Jonas Bagas of TLF-SHARE (Sexuality, Health and Rights Educators), a member of Philippine National Aids Council.

Bagas was referring to Republic Act 8504, which states that individuals who spread misleading information can be imprisoned for 2 years.