Indigenous health practices have been in existence since the dawn of civilization, and the
inception of western medical practices has created a divide between these health systems.
This study focused on the development of a model that could facilitate the integration of
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (llZS) in managing HIV & AIDS within a primary
healthcare (PHC) context. The researcher affirms Capers (1992:19) notion that indigenous
and western healthcare knowledge systems will continually be in existence and will always
move parallel to one another until the two systems converge to collaborate on knowledge
sharing for the benefit of both consumers of health and health practitioners. The purpose of
this study was to develop a model to facilitate the integration of ll(S in the management of
HIV & AIDS within the PHC context in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
The objectives of this study were to:
'1- Explore and describe views and perceptions of stakeholders regarding the integration
of IKS in the management of HIV & AIDS, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.
'1- Conceptualize a framework related to cunent dialogue about the integration of ll(S
in the management ofHIV & AIDS within the PHC setting.
'1- Develop a model to facilitate the integration of IKS in the management of HIV &
AIDS within the PHC context in South Africa.
In this study, an explorative, descriptive and contextual qualitative design was used in order
for the researcher to gather more information that would be appropriate and necessary to
support the development of the model which will facilitate the integration of IKS in the
management of HIV & AIDS within a PHC context in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo
Province. The population includes stakeholders (llZS practitioners, and healthcare
professionals) who embody deeper concerns regarding the integrative approach to health and
illness behaviour.