Medical pluralism in resource constrained communities: Utilizing indigenous knowledge and traditional (herbal) medicine practice for non-communicable diseases

International Conference on Restorative & Alternative Medicine

October 24-25, 2016 Chicago, USA

Gail Hughes

University of Western Cape, South Africa

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Altern Integr Med

Abstract :

There are core challenges that resourced-constrained communities face when accessing health care especially for noncommunicable diseases. South Africa�s healthcare operates in two salient systems: Allopathic (Western) and traditional/ indigenous knowledge systems. The concurrent use of both healthcare systems has created contentious views on safety, efficacy and toxicity of these alternative medicines. Furthermore, the associated community based knowledge systems are ignored in spite of the documented fact that more than 80% in rural and marginalized communities are dependent on accessible traditional medicine; a promising platform whereby multidisciplinary critical investigation will be discussed to advance the potential and practice in public health and primary healthcare sectors.

Biography :

Email: ghughes@uwc.ac.za