Exploring the role of traditional healers can play in minimizing the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in South Central District of KwaZulu-Natal region
This study explores the role that traditional healers can play in minimizing the HIV/AIDS epidemics in the North South Central district of KwaZulu-Natal region. The aim of the study is to explore the role that can be played by traditional healers with an aim of reducing HIV/AIDS to a minimum through development of partnership with traditional healers. The objectives of the study is to determine the role that the traditional healers can play to minimize the HIV/AIDS epidemic so as to identify strengths and weaknesses, to develop partnership with traditional healers and to design an educational programme for traditional healers based on need assessment. The research methodology used the qualitative method, based on Guba's model of the research undertaken which emphasizes the truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality. Sample and sampling was used. A convenient sample was used by approaching health care centre thus giving the research identification of the well known traditional healer in that areas which is used by majority of their clients. The open ended questionnaires, interviews and tape recordings were used to obtain an in-depth knowledge of traditional healers regarding their role expectations in the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS infection. The following findings were obtained:. About 80% of the community still rely on traditional healers because of their, accessibility, acceptability, availability, affordability and because of their beliefs and culture which is similar to that of their community. Traditional healers are aware of this HIV/AIDS epidemic and are aware that they cannot treat the disease but can treat infections caused by the HIV virus or AIDS infection and also by giving health education on HIV/AIDS prevention to their clients and by recommending safety health practices. The following recommendations from the study are made, that is the study should be extended further even to other provinces and that partnership between traditional healers and health professionals will be of great help in minimizing the HTV7AIDS epidemic. Training programme should be drawn by both traditional healers and Health professionals regarding HIV/AIDS prevention.
Nduli, Badumisile Ntombintombi Alphonsina
Hiv/aids-traditional healers, Hiv/aids-kwazulu-natal, Hiv/aids, Traditional healers
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