Sangomas - Traditional Healers

A pilot project with traditional healers
In South Africa a large percentage of the population still consult a traditional healer or sangoma before approaching a western medical facility. Sangomas are an important resource to ensure that people get the right information about HIV and AIDS.

HOPE Cape Town has realised that only close co-operation and joint efforts between western trained doctors and traditional health practitioners can combat the deadly pandemic of HIV and AIDS. There is the need to promote a common understanding and respect between traditional and western medical health practitioners to enable them to work together.



 

 

In December 2003, 100 traditional healers, doctors and government officials met to recognise common goals and obstacles to better co-operation.  The discussions illustrated the lack of effective communication and ignorance of the different cultures and mistrust.  It led to an agreement that there was a base for future co-operation.

 

In March 2004, the second workshop examined the basic concepts of the HIV structure, the complexity of testing procedures, stages of the disease, drug side effects and social issues. 

In May 2004, the third workshop was held and this explored the traditional holistic approach to wellbeing, herbal medicines and spiritual care.  A team of nine sangomas and HOPE Cape Town Community Health Workers was elected to undergo intensive training to become community referrals points. 

At the end of the training a memorandum of understanding was signed that provides the basis for future intervention.

The pilot project was kindly supported by the German AIDS Foundation, MTU South Africa Pty Ltd and the Round Table Germany. 
      
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HOPE Cape Town Association
Public Benefit Organisation (SA) No 18/11/13/4709
Non Profit Organisation (SA) No 031-599NPO