Zeitschrift für Gesundheitsfürsorge und Prävention

Abstrakt

African traditional medicine in primary health care

Josephine Ozioma Ezekwesili-Ofili

Statement of the Problem: Primary Health Care (PHC) is provided for individuals within a community with a broad range of services from health promotion and prevention to treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions, especially in rural areas. The principles of PHC include accessibility, affordability and equity. However, most parts of Africa still face shortage of basic health care. This inequity in health care delivery, coupled with low literacy, low income level and high cost of modern medicine, amongst others, are the major constraints to achieving the WHO mandate of health for all. People, therefore continue to rely on traditional medicine which is based on locally available resources, and cultural knowledge. This work investigated the extent and role of African traditional medicine in primary health care in selected African countries, including Nigeria. Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: The materials and methods used included books, journals, databases, interviews and questionnaires to primary healthcare providers, traditional healers and individuals in different communities. Findings: There was evidence of increased interest in herbal medicine among urban and rural dwellers due to improved scientific knowledge, promotional advertisements and trade fairs. Approaches differed according to region and cultural beliefs. Patronage of herbal medicine did not exclude the use of primary health care services where available, but very chronic illnesses were considered to be better handled by traditional healers. Conclusions and significance: Although Western medicine is generally accepted in Africa and can be accessed by many, it cannot completely replace indigenous health care but exists in tandem with it. Thus African traditional medicine remains central to the lives of many in both rural and urban areas. Due to the increasing popularity of traditional medicine, it is imperative that a healthy collaboration be established between the PHC practitioners and traditional healers, to augment primary health care services.