Introduction

Mji, Gubela

doi:10.4102/aosis.2019.bk98.00

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 1 publication

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…According to western culture, belief systems and medical approaches, illness, and health are biological matters (van der Watt et al, 2021), whereas, for the African cosmology view health explanatory models of illness encompass the physical, the mind/psychological, and the spiritual sides of an individual (Busia, 2018; Mashego et al, 2021; Mji, 2019; Mlisa, 2019). Therefore, Fanon (1965, p. 123) persuasively argued that “in a non-colonial society, the attitude of a sick man in the presence of a medical practitioner is one of confidence.…”

Section: Engaging the Tensions Between Western And African Approaches...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Embracing African Traditional Knowledge Health Systems in a HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Saruchera,

Xaba

2023

Journal of Black Studies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This article engages the perpetual denigration of African Traditional Knowledge System (ATKS) by African governments in favor of western biomedical approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. We demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic has once again put the spotlight on the alternative approaches to health and the need for a holistic and broader understanding of these practices in Africa. Using a literature review on health sectors across Africa and cases of traditional health medicines and use in selected countries, we show the Afro cosmo vision and understanding of health, and we make a case for a non-western health approach that is holistic, endogenous, and community-centered. We argue that health approaches need to be anchored on proper understanding of African societies, whose approach to health encompasses the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspect of one’s existence. Our work lends support for the importance of having a multidimensional holistic health system and approach for universal health coverage (UHC) toward the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Africa which encompasses ATKS in dealing with pandemics.

show abstract

Section: Engaging the Tensions Between Western And African Approaches...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Embracing African Traditional Knowledge Health Systems in a HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Saruchera,

Xaba

2023

Journal of Black Studies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…They must be explicitly acknowledged and addressed in our lives and service provision. Without doing so, we prevent respectful and meaningful collaboration (Mji 2019 ).…”

Section: Workhop Outcomesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Research should empower them to speak and do for themselves. Previous repression, inappropriate interventions and disruption of indigenous processes and practices with severely negative outcomes for indigenous people have left them distrustful of foreigners and foreign interventions (Mji 2019 ). Thus, researchers entering African spaces must do so with humility, respect and a conscious focus on freeing the voices and ways of local communities.…”

Section: Workhop Outcomesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…But they are often not prepared for the African realities of differing cultural beliefs and practices, communities that have been repressed and silenced for ages and the sheer size, geographical, and infrastructure challenges of our continent. Poor understanding might lead to seemingly helpful interventions that have serious negative consequences and increase disease and disability over time (Mji 2019 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Promoting regional coherence and cohesion amidst multiple assistive technology initiatives in Africa

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective: This article aimed to summarise the workshop proceedings and to provide some recommendations on how coherence and cohesion can be facilitated in assistive technology services in Africa.Method: A round table and small group discussions on assistive technology were facilitated in the virtual space of the AfriNEAD conference. Organisations and role players in ATS and products in Africa participated as keynote speakers, round table members and in small group discussions.Results: There was consensus amongst participants that cohesive collaboration must be facilitated. They further agreed that users must be central to future action. There are local, national and regional initiatives, but none of these have grown into an African assistive technology platform. World Health Organization (WHO) Africa can bring partners together and facilitate creation, officialisation and operationalising of a continental assistive technology platform, through building on the existing initiatives. The AfriNEAD disability research country working groups can act as in-country coordinating bodies for ATS and afford a possibility of a structured approach to assistive technology research. Conclusion:It is time to break away from Western institutionalised biomedical ways of providing ATS in Africa. Africans must develop coherent, cohesive ATS driven by empowered users who build on Africa`s strengths and addresses the continents' unique needs.

show abstract

Introduction

Cited by 2 publications

References 1 publication

Embracing African Traditional Knowledge Health Systems in a HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Embracing African Traditional Knowledge Health Systems in a HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Promoting regional coherence and cohesion amidst multiple assistive technology initiatives in Africa

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About