In Tanzania, traditional healers are crucial for community health but often misinterpret serious symptoms. Recent training on Marburg Virus Disease has improved their understanding, leading to better health response strategies. Africa CDC and partners aim to integrate these healers into the public health system, emphasizing the need for additional resources and consistent engagement for effective disease prevention.
Traditional healers serve as a primary healthcare source in rural Tanzania, managing various illnesses, including fevers and infections. However, there are risks of misdiagnosis, particularly when symptoms of severe diseases like the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) are interpreted as witchcraft. Meriam Mapinduzi Kagazi, a healer, highlights the need for better awareness and training regarding such severe illnesses after attending a training session about MVD.
Tanzania faced its inaugural MVD outbreak in March 2023 in Bukoba District, which was managed effectively through public health efforts. A second outbreak occurred by February 2025, leading to two deaths and emphasizing the need for enhanced early detection and response strategies to mitigate future risks.
In collaboration with the Tanzania Ministry of Health and the WHO, Africa CDC organized training for traditional healers to strengthen community-based health surveillance and improve infection prevention measures. The recent mapping uncovered over 600 traditional healers in Biharamulo, underscoring the importance of including them in public health strategies.
The training involved 96 participants, including 70 traditional healers, who were educated on recognizing MVD symptoms and the importance of early case referral. Ciprian Lunyerere, an experienced traditional healer, identified the training as pivotal for understanding his role in disease management and referral.
WHO’s Jerry Ua highlighted the importance of involving traditional healers in public healthcare beyond mere outbreak management, noting their community trust and vital role in disease surveillance. Similarly, Peter Mabwe from the Ministry of Health emphasized the essential role of traditional healers as community health gatekeepers and their contribution to early disease detection.
Africa CDC is also creating practical resources, such as a simplified MVD booklet for traditional healers, ensuring they are well-informed regarding case management and reporting procedures. Addis Mhiraf from Africa CDC stressed that engaging traditional healers sustainably is crucial for effective disease response.
Kagazi advocates for better resources, including thermometers and protective gear, to enhance their ability to screen and protect their communities from infectious diseases. The integration of traditional healers into the public health system proves critical, but ongoing support and resources are necessary to solidify this collaboration for long-term health security and response strategies.
In conclusion, the integration of traditional healers in Tanzania’s public health response to Marburg Virus Disease marks a significant advancement in community healthcare. By providing these healers with training and resources, health authorities aim to improve early detection and response strategies. However, sustaining this collaboration requires ongoing support and the provision of essential tools to empower traditional healers in disease prevention efforts. This initiative exemplifies the importance of combining traditional practices with formal health systems to enhance overall community health outcomes.
Original Source: africacdc.org
