MARONDERA- Popular Marondera herbalist William Mapati says exploring
traditional medicine’s role is critical as this goes a long way to achieve universal
healthcare.
Traditional medicine refers to the sum total of knowledge, skills and practices based
on the beliefs, theories and experiences indigenous to different cultures that are
used to maintain health as well as to prevent, diagnose, improve or treat physical or
mental illnesses.
In an interview, Mapati, who operates from Gumbeze Farm just outside Marondera
town, told Chaminuka News that since most people in sub-Saharan Africa live in
rural areas where there is a scarcity of conventional healthcare, embracing the
traditional medicine closes the gap.
He said: “Here in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa, people have to embrace and
harness traditional medicines. Our traditional medicines have been used since time
immemorial and the good thing about them is that they are accessible and
affordable.
“Most people in rural communities rely heavily on traditional medicines for their basic
health needs and that being the case, the role of the such medicines in our health
systems should be strengthened so that more people can be in a position to access
quality healthcare.”
He further stated that the burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases on
health systems that are conventional can be lessened by harnessing the traditional
medicines that have proved to be effective in the management and cure of ailments
afflicting people.
“It is very interesting to note that traditional medicines continue to evolve and
standing the test of time despite the presence of the standardised medicines from
other parts of the world. If we get the right partnerships and investments. our
traditional medicines can make a mark on the global markets.
“Exploring the value chains of our traditional medicines can also foster economic
growth through such contribution,” Mapati said.
Challenges that have been afflicting the development of traditional medicines include
inadequate policies and legal frameworks, little documentation of practice outcomes
and bio-loses and inadequate clinical research data that can be used to validate
traditional medicine knowledge, products and technology necessary to transform
these resoiurces into innovative and commercially viable products.
Recently, the Government challenged the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council
of Zimbabwe (TMPCZ) to closely monitor the activities of traditional healers and
safeguard human lives.
TMPCZ, which falls under the Ministry of Health and Child Care, partnered IMMAS in
creating a roadmap to initiatives that are aimed at providing health access through
traditional medicines.
Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro said traditional
practitioners have to be guided by the National Health Strategy which seeks
provision of medical access that safeguards human life.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care is dedicated to work with TMPC in the
process of making sure that traditional medicines taken by our Zimbabwe citizens
are safe, secure and useful.
‘TMPC, your mandate is to monitor for us the activities involved in the practising
system, supervising and having overall oversight on all traditional medical
practitioners, herbalists, prophets and all those who are involved in practice,” said Dr
Mangwiro.
