The use of traditional medicine is not new and African Traditional Medicine Week ran from August 26 to 31, with African Traditional Medicine Day falling on August 31.
The metro’s executive manager for the Multi-Sectoral, HIV and Aids Unit, Thabiso Peo, advocates the use of traditional medicines as an alternative form of medical treatment but also advises patients who are on chronic medication to avoid mixing medicines.
“Some medicines counteract each other and some don’t.
“It is advised that those who have been diagnosed and are on chronic medication avoid mixing it with traditional medicines to allow proper monitoring of the effectiveness of the medication, and identification of any contraindications,” said Peo.
In recognising traditional healing practitioners (THPs) as an important stakeholder in the health sector, the metro’s health and social development department has formed a committee where traditional healers are trained on basic HIV/Aids factors, health policies and universal precautions to take during consultations.
ALSO READ:
Chess coaching programme to be offered at metro’s libraries
Illegal power connections targeted to restore stable network in Germiston
“The committee is to ensure THPs identify symptoms of sicknesses that need medical attention and tests 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 them defaulting from their prescribed treatment,” added Peo.
Traditional healers wishing to be a part of the THPs committee can contact the metro’s Aids Council secretariat office on 011 999 2448 or 011 999 2745.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
