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Problems that beset the practice of traditional medicine in sub-Saharan Africa.
Denis Ndze Jumbam
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Walter Sisulu University
Private Bag X1, Mthatha 5117, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Email: njumbam@wsu.ac.za
The vast continent of Africa is adorned with rich cultures, traditional beliefs, lifestyles and a functioning traditional medical care system. Nowhere is the oneness and communality of the African people so well expressed than in its traditional medicine. It is not uncommon to notice the use of a particular herb for the treatment of the same ailment throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, the traditional African medicine (TAM) has remained primitive and not evolved with the changing times.
The recent upsurge in the western world of the desire for natural products and remedies present a unique opportunity for Africans to reclaim their natural heritage and traditional medical practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized traditional medicine as an invaluable means of satisfying the basic health care needs of about 80% of the World’s population. Calls are now being made for the systematic evaluation of traditional remedies by scientific methods to ascertain their efficacies and maintain strict observation of safety standards. The integration of traditional medicines in the western health care system is more and more being discussed and legislated in some African countries. Nevertheless, problems that beset the practice of TAM abound, and will continue for some time to come unless they are addressed and TAM given the recognition it deserves. While most of these problems have been mentioned in passing in literature, the information is still fragmented and this paper attempts to collate the information in a single presentable document.
Learning Objectives: Participants will gain insight into the problems that African traditional healers face on a daily basis in carrying out their profession. They will also appreciate the role that traditional healers play in the upkeep of the healthcare of the majority of the people on the continent. Participants will leave behind possible negative perceptions that they may habour about traditional healers and their profession. This presentation will generate debate amongst participants and the effects will be felt beyond the confines of the conference premises. The knowledge acquired will isntil a sence of respect and understanding for African traditional healers.