Traditional Medicine in Africa

It is based on my personal experience as a volunteer in a rural clinic in Kenya in the year 2000.

I had always been fascinated by the healing practices of different cultures, and when I saw an opportunity to join a medical mission in Africa, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to learn more about the local herbs, rituals and beliefs that were used to treat various ailments and diseases. I also wanted to help the people who had limited access to modern health care and resources.

I arrived in Nairobi with a group of other volunteers, and we took a bus to the village where we would be staying for the next two weeks. The village was located in a remote area, surrounded by green hills and fields. The people welcomed us warmly, and showed us our accommodation: a simple hut with a thatched roof and a dirt floor. There was no electricity or running water, but we had a generator and a well nearby.

The clinic was a small building made of wood and metal, with a sign that read "Health Centre". It had two rooms: one for consultation and examination, and one for storage and dispensation of medicines. The medicines consisted mostly of pills and syrups donated by international organizations, but there was also a section for traditional remedies: dried leaves, roots, seeds, bark and flowers of various plants.

The clinic was run by a local nurse named Mary, who had been trained by a previous mission. She was assisted by two community health workers, John and Grace, who had some basic knowledge of first aid and hygiene. They also acted as translators between us and the patients, who spoke Swahili or their tribal languages.

Mary explained to us that most of the patients came to the clinic for common problems like malaria, diarrhea, coughs, colds, skin infections, wounds and parasites. Some of them also had chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma and HIV/AIDS. She said that she tried to use both modern and traditional medicines, depending on the availability and effectiveness of each. She also respected the patients' preferences and beliefs, as long as they did not interfere with their treatment or recovery.

She gave us an example of how she combined both approaches: "For malaria, we give them antimalarial drugs like chloroquine or quinine, but we also advise them to drink tea made from neem leaves or Artemisia annua, which are natural anti-malarial's. We also tell them to sleep under mosquito nets and use repellents to prevent further bites. For diarrhea, we give them oral rehydration salts or zinc tablets, but we also suggest them to eat bananas or porridge with honey, which are good for the stomach. We also tell them to boil their water before drinking or cooking, and wash their hands with soap after using the toilet or handling food."

She said that sometimes she faced challenges when dealing with patients who had strong faith in traditional healers or witch doctors. These were people who claimed to have supernatural powers or knowledge of secret cures. They often charged high fees for their services, which involved performing rituals, casting spells, giving amulets or potions, or sacrificing animals. Some of their practices were harmless or even helpful, but some were dangerous or harmful.

She gave us another example: "One time, a woman came to the clinic with her baby who had a high fever and convulsions. She said that she had taken him to a traditional healer who said that he was possessed by an evil spirit. He gave her some herbs to burn and inhale, and some animal blood to smear on his forehead. He also told her not to give him any water or food until he got better. When she came here, the baby was dehydrated and malnourished. We gave him fluids and antibiotics, but it was too late. He died the next day."

She said that she tried to educate the patients about the dangers of such practices, and encourage them to seek medical help as soon as possible. She also tried to work with the traditional healers and witch doctors, and persuade them to refer their patients to the clinic if they needed further care. She said that some of them were cooperative and willing to learn from her, but some were stubborn and hostile.

She said that she hoped that one day there would be more harmony and integration between modern and traditional medicine in Africa. She said that both had their strengths and weaknesses, and both could benefit from each other's knowledge and experience. She said that she believed that health was not only a physical matter, but also a mental, emotional and spiritual one.

She said that she loved her job, and she felt honored to serve the people of the village. She said that she learned something new every day from them: their stories, their wisdom, their resilience. She said that they taught her how to appreciate life more: its beauty, its diversity, its mystery.