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Abstract
Bridging culture - introducing partnership - cooperation between traditional health practitioners and primary health care facilities in South Africa
S. Hippler1, M. Esser2, J.T. Wreford3
Issues:
Intruduction of an offical referral system in the fields of VCT.
Description:
Pilot Project of the HOPE Association in cooperation with the authorities of the Western Cape (SA) to include the so called sangomas in the process of identifying and treating patients with HIV. As 80% of black South Africans attend first a sangoma clinic, the cooperation is crucial for the success of any ART role out strategy. The project is accompanied accademically from the University of Cape Town and is running in 5 selected townships of Cape Town.
Lessons learned:
The project is ongoing, but so far the following lessons are learned:
it takes a great lenght to establish trust between the sangomas and the western medical doctors. Sangomas are eager and willing to learn and cooperate when taken serious acceptance of VCT and treatment within the black communities is increasing as well as compliance and adherence.
Government support is only indirect as there is much anxiety. They want to see a positive outcome before officially doing more than giving an ok for the pilot.
Recommendations:
The cooperation of sangomas in SA but also in Africa is crucial for the success and acceptance of VCT and HAART.
Intensive training which includes also learning about the world of sangomas is essential Sangoams could take over VCT on a long term run and give more space for treatment in the clinic setups.
Sangomas need support to establish certain rules and regulations governing their own organisation and treatment sheme
The holistic approach of sangomas is a good lesson to be learned for the western medical practitioners.
Certain invasive rituals (cleansing) need to get a new place to avoid obstruction of HAART treatment, certain "muti" can not be used after starting treatment.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDD1499
Suggested Citation
"S.Hippler, et al.
Bridging culture - introducing partnership - cooperation between traditional health practitioners and primary health care facilities in South Africa.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDD1499"
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