Hygiene training helps traditional healers

Traditional healers have agreed to work closely with public healthcare clinics to help to save lives, Zululand Observer reports.

This was revealed by the chairperson of Sizakala Traditional Healers’ Organisation, Sizakele Manqele, during a graduation ceremony held in Mtubatuba last Wednesday.

READ MORE: Why traditional healers could have a role to play in fighting HIV

About 60 healers attended a training programme organised by the Department of Health and Africa Centre, in which they were taught about the importance of hygiene and how to treat patients with TB and HIV.

“The fact is TB is curable, but we as traditional healers we can’t cure it, just like HIV,” said Manqele.

“During the training, they gave us valuable information, but did not criticise our medications.

“The important aspect was that we all agreed that it is vital for us to encourage our patients to go for testing if we see signs of TB or HIV.”

Addressing the healers, Mtubatuba Deputy Mayor Sabelo Gumede said an informed nation lived healthy lives.

“About 80 percent of our population use traditional healers, and it is very important that these traditional doctors are equipped with knowledge so that they do their job properly and save lives.

“HIV/Aids and TB are on top of the municipality’s agenda.”