African Traditional Medicine Week: Honouring Heritage, Strengthening Health, Protecting Rights
As we commemorate African Traditional Medicine Week, on this the 23rd African Traditional Medicine Day to be commemorated on 31st August 2025: under the theme “Strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine”. The theme of the 23rd African Traditional Medicine is aligned with the first strategic objective of the new WHO Global Traditional Medicine strategy 2025-2034 endorsed by member States at the 78th World Health Assembly.Pan American Health OrganizationHealth Policy Watch.
We pause to recognize the deep and enduring role that traditional medicine continues to play in the lives of millions of South Africans. Long before hospitals and clinics were built, Traditional Health Practioners (THP’s) were the custodians of wellness, spirituality, and healing in our communities. Today, traditional medicine remains not only a cultural inheritance but also a vital part of the broader health landscape providing care, comfort, and trust where formal systems sometimes fall short. “Up to 80% of the population in Africa uses traditional medicine as primary health care,” this is attributed to WHO Factsheet No. 134, May 2003,
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Civil Society Forum joins the continent in reflecting on the importance of traditional medicine while also calling for its integration into the national health response in a way that is safe, evidence informed, rights based, and inclusive of all communities.
Reflections Across SANAC Sectors
Women’s Sector
Women are often the keepers of indigenous knowledge and play a central role as caregivers in families and communities. Yet, women also face vulnerabilities including exposure to harmful practices, limited decision-making power, and stigma when seeking care. We call for the inclusion of women’s voices in research, regulation, and policy on traditional medicine, ensuring their rights and safety are prioritized.
People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Sector
Many PLHIV find support in traditional healing practices that provide spiritual and emotional strength. However, misinformation and false promises of “cures” can endanger lives when they discourage adherence to antiretroviral therapy. We reaffirm that traditional medicine and biomedical treatment must work hand in hand complementing, not competing with the aim of sustaining life and wellness.
Key Populations (Sex Workers, LGBTQI+ People, People Who Use Drugs etc)
Traditional medicine can offer discreet, community-based avenues for care, especially where stigma exists in formal health facilities. However, some harmful practices and moral judgments within both systems still exclude sex workers, LGBTQI+ people, and people who use drugs. We emphasise the right of all key populations to non-discriminatory, stigma-free, and dignified healthcare in both traditional and biomedical spaces.
Youth Sector
Young people are often caught between tradition and modernity. Many rely on traditional medicine as their first line of care, especially in rural areas. At the same time, they face high risks from misinformation spread via peers and unregulated healers. We call for accurate, age-appropriate education and dialogue on the safe use of traditional medicine, alongside HIV prevention and treatment literacy.
Religious Sector
Faith and traditional healing often intersect in communities. Many religious leaders work alongside Traditional Health Practioners (THP’s) in providing comfort and hope. However, harmful teachings that discourage medical treatment persist. We call for interfaith and intercultural collaboration with Traditional Health Practioners (THP’s) & traditional leaders to ensure that spirituality supports is provided rather than undermining the fight against HIV, TB, and STIs.
Labour Sector
Workers frequently rely on traditional medicine for affordable and accessible care. However, workplace policies rarely recognize traditional, leading to discrimination or exclusion. We urge for workplace policies that respect traditional healing practices while aligning with occupational health and safety standards.
Disability Sector
People with disabilities often turn to traditional medicine for pain management and cultural belonging. Sadly, harmful myths such as the belief that disability can be “cured” through certain rituals persist, fuelling stigma and abuse. We call for protection, awareness, and inclusion to ensure traditional practices respect the dignity and rights of people with disabilities.
Business Sector
The private sector has a role in supporting research, commercialization, and regulation of traditional medicines in ways that protect intellectual property and benefit communities. We call for investment in research and ethical business models that prevent exploitation while promoting access to safe, tested traditional remedies.
A Unified Call for Collaboration
From these reflections, one truth emerges clearly: African traditional medicine is here to stay, and it must be part of our collective health response. But its role must be guided by scientific research, community involvement, human rights, and regulatory frameworks that protect people from harm while honouring indigenous wisdom.
We further call for:
- Stronger partnerships between traditional healers and biomedical practitioners.
- Expanded research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Continuous dialogue and education to combat stigma and misinformation.
- Centering the voices of all SANAC sectors in shaping policies and practices.
Conclusion
African Traditional Medicine Week is not only a celebration of heritage it is a commitment to building a health system that values tradition, respects rights, and protects life. As the SANAC Civil Society Forum, we reaffirm our role in bridging communities, government, and Traditional Health Practioners (THP’s) so that our collective fight against HIV, TB, and STIs leaves no one behind.
“Strengthen the evidence base for traditional medicine”