Traditional medicine commemorated

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday September 1, 2014 11:05

The them of the event was ‘Collaboration Between Practitioners of Traditional Medicine and Practitioners of Conventional Medicine’. 

Traditional African medicine is a holistic discipline involving extensive use of indigenous herbalist combined with aspects of African spirituality. Most people in Africa rely on traditional medicine for their basic health needs. In most cases traditional medicine is the only healthcare services available, accessible and affordable to many Africans.

MoH senior health officer, Kentse Keagilwe-Marope said they had decided to join the World Health Organisation (WHO) and celebrate ATMW for the whole week unlike previously when they celebrated the event in a day.

“As the ministry, we intend to unite and strengthen our relationship with traditional healers as we have the same goal, which is improving people’s lives. This event gives us an opportunity to bond and discuss on ways that we can improve people’s lives,” she said.

 She pointed out that they have not been able to help traditional doctors weigh dosages they give to their clients. This is because the ministry has no say on how the traditional doctors run their businesses.

Keagilwe-Marope urged traditional doctors to be cautious on the dosage and medicines they give their clients.

She believes that traditional medicines are similar to conventional ones, as they both exist for the same reason - to heal people. She stated that traditional healers must always advise their patients to take a required potion of medicine to avoid putting their health in danger.

She said the significant contribution of traditional medicine as a major provider of health services in the country and continent cannot be underestimated. She said together with the University of Botswana (UB), the MoH works hand in hand with traditional healers to find ways to improve their services.

During the celebrations to mark the ATMW week, there was an exhibition of traditional herbs while the MoH showcased its services such as testing for HIV and other diseases. The people were taught about communicable and non-communicable diseases and how they could be prevented.