infant. Certain herbs and procedures may be reserved for this purpose, e.g.
among the Zulu people of South Africa, particular herbs prescribed during
pregnancy are known as isihlambezo(cleansing agents) or umsekelo(a
support or prop).
TP–patient relationship
The special relationship that exists between traditional healer and patient
throughout Africa is reflected in the fact that, even in the most sophisticated
of today’s urban African societies, the healer is often the first port of call in
times of trouble. More importantly, in the rural areas of the continent,
where state healthcare provision is often minimal, the TP may be the only
reliable source of relief in ill-health. Favourable healer:patient ratios (an
estimated 1:200 in some African states) ensure that traditional healthcare is
accessible to most, usually at affordable rates. Indeed, many healers will
accept payment (or a gift) only when the patient has been cured.
Three factors – affordability, accessibility and cultural acceptability –
together account very largely for the fact that some 80% of Africa’s people
today utilise traditional systems of medicine.12,26This is not to say that state
healthcare systems are altogether avoided, but that traditional medical prac-
tice is deemed preferable in some situations and in others represents the only
available option.
88 |Traditional medicine
Figure 5.4 Members of the Western Cape Traditional Healers and Herbalists Association, South
Africa.