Caring for people with HIV in Zambia: Are traditional healers and formal health workers willing to work together?

Abstract

This study of traditional healers and formal health workers determined their knowledge and practices in the field of HIV/AIDS and examined their training needs and attitudes to collaboration, in preparation for planning joint training workshops. Several misconceptions concerning symptoms and transmission of HIV disease were found in both groups, particularly among traditional healers. Twenty healers (51%) and four formal health workers (15%) claimed a cure existed for AIDS. The majority of traditional healers interviewed expressed difficulties discussing a diagnosis of HIV directly with patients, mainly due to fear of the patient becoming depressed and suicidal. Most interviewees wanted more training--the majority of traditional healers in recognizing symptoms of HIV/AIDS and their treatment, and the majority of formal health workers in HIV counselling. Most were interested in supplying condoms. Almost all healers and half of the formal health workers were keen to collaborate in training and patient care. The study indicates that there is willingness amongst Zambian traditional healers and formal health workers to collaborate in training and patient care in the field of HIV/AIDS. As well as covering symptoms, transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS, training should aim to increase ability to openly discuss HIV with patients, which many traditional healers and some formal health workers find difficult. Involving traditional healers in supplying condoms may improve acceptability and availability, particularly in rural areas.

Communities’ views on prerequisites for collaboration between modern and traditional health sectors in relation to STI/HIV/AIDS care in Zambia

“…Earlier, the inclusion was motivated by the problems of shortage of personnel in the modern sector, the self-reliant character of TM, its cultural sensitivity and its therapeutic value [2,8,9]. Presently, while the above reasons remain valid, the increasing social devastations by the AIDS pandemic in poorly performing health care systems confirm the need of involving the traditional health sector [10][11][12].…”

A review of the role of African traditional medicine in the management of oral diseases

“…Other studies have shown that patients with dental problems visit TH first, before a medical or dental practitioner (Burnett ,1999;Peltzer et al 2006;Maclean and Bannerman, 1982 ). Maclean and Bannerman (1982) found that a higher number of older people visited TH than the younger age groups.…”

Are biomedicine health practitioners ready to collaborate with traditional health practitioners in HIV & AIDS care in Tutume sub district of Botswana

“…It is further argued that collaboration with THPs has a potential of fostering value and respect of the contributions of THPs in the prevention of HIV and AIDS and also increase resources for HIV and AIDS prevention (Mngqundaniso and Peltzer, 2008;Burnett et al, 1999). Effective collaboration represented by skilled THPs linked to referral facilities could create a complementary HIV and AIDS care system that will be of great benefit to patients and communities (Kayombo et al, 2007;Homsy et al, 2004a;King and Homsy, 1997).…”

“…In Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional health practitioners (THPs) far outnumber biomedicine health practitioners (BHP), it is estimated that one BHP treats about 20,000 patients while one THP treats about 400 patients (UNAIDS, 2002;WHO, 2002;Burnett et al, 1999;Holmsy and King, 1996). Given WHO's estimation that about 80% of the population throughout Africa relies primarily on traditional medicine for their primary health-care needs, and that patients consult both BHPs and THPs for HIV care.…”