|
|
Abstract
Traditional African healers: their role in the fight against STDs, HIV and AIDS in South Africa
R G R Rogerson
Community AIDS Response (CARE), Johannesburg, South Africa
With over 300,000 traditional African healers in South Africa and approximately 20,000 medical practitioners the role of the healer is of great significance in the fight against this pandemic.
The divide between medical practitioners and traditional African healers continues to under serve the South African community by not banding together in prevention, education and home based care initiatives. Discussion and research around traditional healers and western medicine merging together to better serve communities will be underscored in the paper.
Considering the immense role of the traditional healer within the community, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is an effective opportunity in preventing the spread of HIV. Consequently, HIV programs and STD testing and treatment programs should develop stronger linkages with traditional healers providing treatment of STD's, secondary infections, pre and post counseling for the individual and family. Community AIDS Response (a local NGO) is currently imlpementing these structures in the HIV hospital / clinic environment.
Through a bonding of communities the relationship between traditional African healers and indigenous leaders can act as a necessary bridge between medical and individual (biomedical) communities.
Detailed information based on community research of traditional healers will be covered in the paper. Training and education for traditional healers has become a necessity as they are consulting with so many STD and HIV patients and often lack knowledge concerning HIV.
The organization I represent is cuurently collaborating with the health department, hospitals and other NGO's to begin the training of Traditional Healers with the goal of improving safety measures within their practice.
An understanding of traditional African healers and their current methods of treatment, care and education and next steps will be outlined.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
E11522
Suggested Citation
" R G R Rogerson ,
Traditional African healers: their role in the fight against STDs, HIV and AIDS in South Africa.
Print Only:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
E11522"
|
|
|