Qi flows from Beijing to Gaborone (Part 3)

A traditional healer practices his craft
A traditional healer practices his craft

In 2015 Mmegi Staffer, BABOKI KAYAWE*, spent time in China as well as Gaborone, Palapye and Kolokwaneng in the Kgalagadi district. She was researching what Botswana can learn from the harmony between China’s indigenous and modern health care systems

Commenting on the status of indigenous medicine in the country, University of Botswana’s microbiologist Professor Kerstin Andrea-Marobela says traditional medical systems do form a vital part of primary healthcare, which is used by all sections of society.

However, the fact that the traditional healing profession is not legally recognised, prevents open collaboration.  “Referral from healers to clinics do take place, and unofficially also in some cases from clinics to traditional healers,” Marobela says.  From research, she says it appears Batswana prefer to have pluralistic health choices.  For some conditions one would visit a clinic, while for others one would prefer to consult a traditional healer.  She views integrating both regimes a farfetched call.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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