Roles of African Traditional Medicine in Primary Healthcare Delivery System

Abstract

One of the existing medicine in the world that receives so much criticism is traditional systems of healthcare delivery, almost to a point of extermination in some countries in the world. Although most of the issues raised to affirm the seemingly inadequate status of this system are debatable, but the effectiveness of traditional medicine has anull all those criticism if we carefully analyse the methods of health approach in TM. Part of the misconception derives from lumping Nigeria into one integrated and indivisible indigenous unit, notwithstanding differences in values, beliefs and practices among communities. Against this backdrop, this study invites a reassessment and possible integration of African traditional medicine with the introduced systems of Primary healthcare delivery. This will ensure not only a holistic approach to dealing with complex health issues among Africas, but also the continued relevance of indigenous medicine. Critical issues examined include forms and factors affecting traditional medicine, and conflicts between indigenous and introduced systems of healthcare delivery. Consequently, a framework for explaining traditional medicine in the context of Nigeria was designed through a triangulation of Rational Choice theory, Ethnomethodology and the Health Belief Model.