Role of traditional practitioners in the treatment of HIV/Aids

The use of traditional medicine is not new, and with African Traditional Medicine Week running from August 26 to 31, the City of Ekurhuleni’s executive manager for multi-sectoral HIV/ Aids Unit, Thabiso Peo, advocates for the use of traditional medicines as an alternative form of medical treatment, but also advises patients to avoid mixing medicines.

“Some medicines counteract each other and some don’t. In this instance, it is advised that those who have been diagnosed, and are on chronic medication, to avoid mixing it with traditional medicines,” Peo said. Peo said this is to allow proper monitoring of the effectiveness of the medication and identification of any contraindication.

In recognising traditional healers practitioners (THPs) as an important stakeholder in the health sector, the city’s Health and Social Development Department has formed a committee to train traditional healers on the basic HIV/Aids factors, health policies and universal precautions to take into account during consultations.

“The committee is to ensure that the THPs identify symptoms of sicknesses that need medical attention, and test solely to promote early detection and treatment of preventable illnesses. We also seek to dispel myths by bogus practitioners who claim to cure HIV/Aids and advise people to stop taking treatment that results in defaulting,” Peo said.

From August 26 to August 31, the African Traditional Medicine Day is commemorated.

Traditional healers wishing to be a part of the THPs committee can contact the city’s Aids Council Secretariat office on 011 999 2448 or 011 999 2745.