Exploring the Role of Traditional Medicine in African Health Systems

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Traditional medicine is an integral part of many African health systems, with a long history of use in the continent dating back to ancient times. It refers to the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement, or treatment of physical and mental illness.

In Africa, traditional medicine is often the first point of contact for many people seeking healthcare. This is especially true in rural areas, where access to modern healthcare facilities may be limited. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the African population relies on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs. (1)


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Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels


There are many factors that contribute to the widespread use of traditional medicine in Africa. One of the main reasons is the affordability of traditional medicine compared to modern healthcare. Traditional medicine is often more accessible and less expensive, making it a more viable option for many people, especially those who are poor or live in remote areas.

Another factor is the cultural and social significance of traditional medicine in Africa. In many African cultures, traditional medicine is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual practices and is seen as a way to maintain harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. It is also an important part of the social fabric of many African communities, with traditional healers often playing a central role in community life.

Despite its widespread use, traditional medicine in Africa has often been overlooked or marginalized by mainstream healthcare systems. This has led to a lack of recognition and support for traditional practitioners and a lack of research into the effectiveness and safety of traditional medicine.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of traditional medicine in African health systems. The WHO has been working to integrate traditional medicine into national healthcare systems in Africa, with a focus on improving access to traditional medicine, strengthening regulatory systems, and promoting research and development.


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Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels


One of the main challenges in integrating traditional medicine into national healthcare systems is the need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine practices. This requires the development of regulatory frameworks and standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of traditional medicine products and practices.

Another challenge is the need to build capacity among traditional practitioners and modern healthcare professionals to work together effectively. This includes training programs and other initiatives to improve the knowledge and skills of traditional practitioners, as well as efforts to build bridges between traditional and modern healthcare systems.

Despite these challenges, the integration of traditional medicine into national healthcare systems has the potential to improve access to healthcare for many people in Africa and contribute to the overall strengthening of healthcare systems on the continent. By recognizing and supporting the role of traditional medicine in African health systems, we can ensure that all people have access to the healthcare they need to live healthy and productive lives.


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Photo from Flickr


References

Ref 1 | Ref 2 | Ref 3 | Ref 4 | Ref 5 | Ref 6


Images Used In This Article Were All Gotten From Free Image Sites, Hence, They Are Free For Reuse(Flickr & Pexels)

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10 comments
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I think traditional medicine is something I would want to know more about.

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Yeah, it is something I also would love to know more about because I know they work. Thanks for your wonderful comment @beulah4real

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I strongly believe in as much as there is massive scientific research going on around the medicine world with quite impressive civilization to it. We must not despise the importance of traditional medicine also. I have hear so much negativity about people concerning traditional medicine which is not true

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You are correct, there is so much negativity about traditional medicine but that's not true, because I have personally tried it and it works quite well. Although the main cause for such kind of thing, is that there are different makers of traditional medicine, some are good at what they do and some others are bad. When traditional medicine goes bad, everyone hears it but when it is good, no one hears.

Thanks for your amazing comment @royalevidence

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Traditional medicine has been the hub of African practice both as culture and strong belief in those medicine they take on a daily basis. I think there should be collaborative work between the modern health care professionals and the traditional Health Care Providers. Lectures on new trends should be given to the people and there should be a strong sensitisation program on the dangers of taking non prescribed drugs to the people. Traditional medicine has been helpful to these people for a long time now so stoping it will be a difficult task. Let work with them by teaching dem how on how drugs works in the body. In Africa, traditional medicine acts like a life saver for most people.

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