Combining Western Medicine and Traditional Medicine in South Africa

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The clash between the western (or scientific) and traditional approaches to medicine has existed for many years. The conceptual differences between the two schools of thought resulted in mistrust between scholars of representing them. Each one of the approaches can be effective in some medical cases and neither can offers complete solutions in others. However, the western approach has been proven to be much more effective in treating serious deadly conditions that require complex diagnosis, surgeries, and drugs. South Africa, where the HIV/AIDS epidemic takes countless lives daily, could greatly benefit from an availability of medical achievements provided by the western doctors. At the same time, due to political, cultural, and economic reasons, the traditional healing is still the dominating method in this country. Being trusted by the local population and an integral part of the local culture, traditional healers can play a key role in building a trust between the local population and western doctors. Western, or scientific medicine, primarily uses drugs and surgeries for treating patients. Its treatments are based on diagnoses provided by trained doctors and nurses. In general, the approach is to address symptoms of various illnesses and conditions. Western medicine is heavily relying on science and scientific researches particularly in chemistry and biology. The traditional medicine is mostly practiced in Asia, South America, and Africa. As oppose to the western medicine, it relies on the powers of natural resources, spirituality, and physical contact. Typically, traditional healers don’t go to formal medical schools; they are trained by other healers within their communities. They use herbs, animals, minerals, an... ... middle of paper ... ... Culture, And Controversy. M.E. Sharpe, Inc. Print. Bolognesi, Natasha. AIDS in Africa: A Question of Trust. Nature 443.7112 (12 Oct 2006): 626-627. Print. Himmel, Martin. "Sangomas." Witness. Al Jazeera. Doha, Quatar. 14 June 2009. Web. 21 Nov 2013. Liverpool, Joan, at el. “Western medicine and traditional healers: partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” Journal of the National Medical Association 96.6 (June 2004): 823. Print. 21 Nov 2013. McVeigh, Karen. “Steve Jobs Regretted Delaying Cancer Surgery, Biographer Tells CBS”. The Guardian. 21 Oct 2011. Web. Nov 24 2013. Steinberg, Jonny. Sizwe's Test. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008. Print. Swaine, Jon. “Steve Jobs 'Regretted Trying to Beat Cancer with Alternative Medicine for so Long'” . The Telegraph. 21 Oct 2011. Web. Nov 24 2013. “The World Factbook”. CIA. Central Intelligence Agency, 2014. Web. 24 Nov 2013.

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