Like other so-called ‘parallel’ practices in medicine, traditional medicine
(TM) does not avoid criticism or even rejection. Nyika’s article
‘Ethical and Regulatory Issues Surrounding African Traditional Medicine
in the Context of HIV/AIDS’ looks at some of the issues from
a traditional Western ethical perspective and suggests that it should
The Department of Health estimates that 80 percent of South Africans consult traditional
healers before consulting modern medicine. The aim of this study is to investigate the
extent of the use of traditional medicine in local communities in the Limpopo Province, and
add value to a draft policy that was introduced by the Minister of Health. (South Africa,
An earlier paper in this journal reported on the perception and experience of 77 allopathic
health practitioners (AHPs) and health managers about working together with South African
traditional health practitioners (THPs). The paper stated that the abolishment of the Witchcraft
Indigenous food crops refer to food crops that have their origin in South Africa.
Added to these crops are those that were introduced into the country and are
now recognised as naturalised or traditional crops. They are divided into three main
categories; namely grains, vegetables and fruit.
Traditional healers are the first to be called for help when illness
strikes the majority of South Africans. Their communities have faith
in their ability to cure or alleviate conditions managed by doctors, and
much more. A visit to such practitioners’ websites (they are up with
the latest advertising technology!) shows that they promise help with
Based on mixed perceptions which were both negative and positive the policy makers
have not been vocal about the process to incorporate traditional healers into the
National Health Care Delivery System of South Africa. Negative views were related
to the denial that traditional healing does provide a cure and the positive views were
Objective: Due to the large number of Black South Africans known to consult
with traditional healers and the influential role they play in the developing
world, this study investigated the approaches of a group of 15 traditional healers
toward the treatment of cleft lip and palate.
Design: An exploratory-descriptive, qualitative research design was employed,
Background: The indigenous health system was perceived to be a threat to the allopathic
health system. It was associated with ‘witchcraft’, and actively discouraged, and repressed
through prohibition laws. The introduction of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act No 22
of 2007 brought hope that those centuries of disrespect for traditional health systems would
The only time that can be influenced is the future. This is obvious since the past has passed and the present does not exist because it is permanently leaving us. But how can we influence the future? It is by building a better future for Africa?
T
Key points:
WHO Traditional Medicine
Strategy 2002–2005
raditional, complementary and alternative
medicine attract the full spectrum of
reactions — from uncritical enthusiasm to
uninformed scepticism. Yet use of traditional
medicine (TM) remains widespread in
developing countries, while use of complementary