In the age-long history of African culture, traditional healing practices have been an integral part of the healthcare systems of African communities, with healers identified as custodians. Passed down through generations, these ancient healing methods are deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and spiritual beliefs (WHO, 2023). Holistic healthcare delivery system in Africa is viewed not only from the perspective of the second dimension (2-D), but also that of the third (3-D).
Traditional healers are practitioners who engage in Traditional medicine, utilizing indigenous knowledge, beliefs and practices to diagnose and treat various ailments, be they physical and/or spiritual, within African societies. These healers often play multifaceted roles within their communities, serving as herbalists, spiritual guides, diviners and counselors. Others include bone setters, traditional massage specialists (masseuse) and traditional birth attendants. They perform rituals, chants and ceremonies to remove curses, evil spirits, or negative energies affecting an individual’s health and well-being.
Traditional Bone Setter at work with conventional nurses (Ali et al., 2020).
Traditional medicine in itself refers to the sum total of knowledge and practices, whether explicable or not, used in the diagnosis, prevention and elimination of physical, mental and social imbalance, relying exclusively on practical experiences and observations handed down through generations, verbally or in writing (Ampomah et al., 2023). In spite of the presence of modern medicine in the primary healthcare system in a country like Nigeria, it has been observed that traditional medicine is used by, and is still popular among, 70% of the population (Asuzu et al., 2019).
Trado-medical (Herbal) items on display
As modern medicine continues to advance, there has been a growing tendency to overlook the invaluable contributions of traditional healers in bridging the gap between the traditional and modern healthcare systems in Africa. These include, among others, preserving cultural heritage, paving the way to holistic approach to health, easily accessible and affordable to members of the community, and contributing significantly to complementing modern medicine.
Preserving Cultural Heritage:
Traditional healing practices in Africa encompass a wide range of modalities, including herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and ritual ceremonies. These practices are not only about physical ailments but also address the holistic well-being of individuals, considering their spiritual, mental, and social dimensions. By incorporating elements of culture, spirituality, and community, traditional healers provide a unique approach to healthcare that resonates deeply with many Africans (Mngqundaniso and Peltzer, 2008). This is why Traditional healers remain highly respected and sought after in many African Communities.
Despite the growing popularity of Western medicine, communities still cherish these traditional healers because of their intimate understanding of local customs, languages, and beliefs that allows them to establish a rapport with patients, which is often lacking in conventional healthcare settings. They also serve as trusted advisors and mediators, offering guidance on matters beyond physical health, such as family disputes, spiritual concerns, and community issues.
Holistic approach to healthcare:
Traditional healers typically take a holistic approach to health, considering not only physical symptoms but also spiritual, emotional, and social factors. This perspective aligns with the principles of patient-centered care and emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of illness. They can provide valuable insights into holistic approaches to healthcare that complement the biomedical model.
Access and affordability:
For many Africans, traditional healers serve as the first point of contact for healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas where modern medical facilities may be scarce or inaccessible. Traditional healers engage in practices that are typically more affordable than Western medicine, making them a viable healing option for those who cannot afford expensive medical treatments or lack health insurance.
Complementing Modern Medicine:
While traditional healing practices may differ significantly from Western medicine, there is growing recognition of their potential to complement modern healthcare systems. In recent years, governments and health organizations in Africa have started to acknowledge the importance of integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare services (Mngqundaniso and Peltzer, 2008).
In some African countries including Ghana, where significant inroads have been laid for collaboration and integration, traditional medicine still operates in a regulatory and legal grey area, which hampers its complete integration into the formal healthcare system (Krah et al., 2018). This comprehensive integration not only enhances access to healthcare for underserved populations but also fosters a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to healthcare delivery. Contrary to the situation in far Asia, Complementary and Alternative Medicine has become a mainstay.
Amidst these highlighted challenges, there are also opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Initiatives aimed at promoting research, education, and regulation of traditional medicine can contribute to enhancing credibility and ensuring patient safety. Furthermore, partnerships between traditional healers and modern healthcare practitioners can lead to the development of hybrid models of care that draw on the strengths of both systems.
One of the key strengths of traditional healing is the extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and natural remedies which is an offshoot of the knowledge of healers. Many of the drugs presently used in modern medicine have their origins in traditional healing practices, highlighting the potential for collaboration and knowledge exchange between traditional and modern healthcare systems (Mothibe and Sibanda, 2019). By embracing a holistic approach to healing that combines the best of both worlds, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive and effective care to patients.
Medicinal plants and natural remedies; a base for novel therapeutics.
Ethical Considerations and Patient Safety:
While traditional healing practices hold profound cultural significance, they also raise ethical questions regarding patient safety, informed consent, and adherence to evidence-based standards of care. Ensuring that traditional healers adhere to ethical guidelines and collaborate effectively with modern healthcare providers is essential for safeguarding patient well-being and promoting holistic healthcare delivery. This is thus a call to policy-makers and relevant stakeholders to rise up and do the needful.
Traditional healers are not relics of the past but vibrant agents of change who continue to play a vital role in Africa’s healthcare landscape. By embracing the rich diversity of healing traditions that exist on the continent, we can create a more inclusive and holistic pluralistic approach to healthcare that honors both traditional wisdom and biomedical science, thereby addressing the unique needs and preferences of individuals and communities. As we strive to bridge the worlds of traditional and modern medicine, let us recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of traditional healers in promoting health and well-being in Africa, far and beyond.
Key Question: What is your take on the proposed “Hybrid models of care”?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
References:
Ali AA, Ezugwu CO, Onoh CC and Ewa BO (2020). Preservation of Traditional Bone Setting (TBS) skills among Nkpologu and Uvuru in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State, Nigeria. Library, Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 4120. University of Nebraska – Lincoln. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4120
Ampomah IG, Malau-Aduli BS, Seidu A, Malau-Aduli AEO and Emeto TI. (2023). Integrating traditional medicine into the Ghanaian health system: perceptions and experiences of traditional medicine practitioners in the Ashanti region, International Health, Volume 15, Issue 4, July 2023, Pages 414–427, https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihac059
Asuzu CC, Akin-Odanye EO, Asuzu MC and Holland J. (2019). A socio-cultural study of traditional healers role in African health care. Infect Agents Cancer 14, 15 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13027-019-0232-y.
Krah E, de Kruijf J, Ragno L. (2018). Integrating Traditional Healers into the Health Care System: Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Northern Ghana. J. Community Health 43(1):157-163. doi:10.1007/s10900-017-0398-4. PMID: 28681282; PMCID: PMC5767209.
Mngqundaniso N. and Peltzer K. (2008). Traditional healers and nurses: A qualitative study on their role in sexually transmitted infections including HIV and AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 5(4), 380–386. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v5i4.31293
Mothibe EM and Sibanda M. (2019). African Traditional Medicine: South African Perspective. IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.83790.
World Health Organization, WHO (2023). Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023: https://www.who.int/medicines/publications/traditional/trm_strategy14_23/en/
