US television channel sorry for Aids remark

A US television network that broadcasts preacher Pat Robertson’s daily programme has apologised for his claim that visitors to Kenya could contract Aids from towels.

“Dr Robertson misspoke about the possibility of getting Aids from towels,” the Christian Broadcasting Network said in a posting on Facebook on Monday.

“CBN recognised this error immediately and removed that statement from the online archive. CBN apologises for any confusion.”

The 84-year-old conservative evangelist warned on his 700 Club show on October 16 that travellers should take stringent health precautions while in Kenya.

“You might get Aids in Kenya,” Mr Robertson told his estimated one million viewers. “People have Aids. You’ve got to be careful. I mean, the towels could have Aids.”

Mr Robertson’s claim was quickly challenged by groups actively involved in Aids issues.

They noted that the US Office of Women’s Health says the virus that causes Aids cannot be spread through “sharing food utensils, towels and bedding, telephones or toilet seats”.

Mr Robertson’s remark came in response to an emailed question from an anonymous viewer who expressed concern about the risks of visiting Kenya during the Ebola crisis in Africa.

The questioner was told there had been no cases of Ebola in Kenya, which is far from the epicentre of the outbreak in West Africa.
INTESTINAL BUGS

But Mr Robertson cited the danger of contracting other diseases in addition to Aids.

Mosquito bites can result in serious illnesses, he said, adding:, “The sanitation isn’t what it ought to be. You drink the water, it’s not sterilised, you can get intestinal bugs.”

The remarks made by Dr Robertson angered Kenyans, causing a furore on Twitter, with users suggesting a ban on the 700 Club show.
@evangilinechao tweeted: “I don’t even want to know what other teachings #PatRobertson tells his members.”