Maternal and child health in an ethnomedical perspective: traditional and modern medicine in coastal Kenya

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an operational research project on traditional medicine in the context of a primary health care (PHC) program in coastal Kenya. Data were collected on health services utilization patterns and traditional medicine through a variety of methods: interviews with traditional healers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) workshops with traditional healers and a longitudinal study of child health. High levels of both modern and traditional medical services were observed for child illnesses. In most cases traditional and modern medical services were complementary although some areas of conflict persisted despite the changes of ideas observed in the traditional sector. The potential problems associated with increasing collaboration with TBAs and traditional healers specializing in maternal and child health were explored. Large-scale training of TBAs and traditional healers did not appear to be feasible or desirable. However to focus on the leading traditional practitioners may be a very worthwhile exercise. A general policy concern is that TBA training programs may not achieve their objectives. It is suggested that careful assessment of the medical sector be made in terms of the benefits and obstacles of traditional medical practitioners; that utilization patterns of the community be made; that training programs involve traditional healers modern health workers and village leaders; that the cost of working with TMPs versus the benefits of investing in other health programs be weighed; and that traditional healers be involved in community health workers programs.