Sociocultural Barriers and Malaria Health Care in Tanzania

Abstract

In Tanzania, since the time of its ancestors, cultural beliefs have existed which influence the treatment and management of diseases. This article focuses on malaria as a current major cause of morbidity and mortality in Tanzania. Patients and caretakers have tended to rely on traditional sociocultural practices as a means of treating the convulsions associated with severe malaria in children and often do not seek care at health facilities, therefore, delaying prompt management of the disease.