Study Justification:
The study aimed to explore the role of traditional healers in managing pregnancy-related complications in northern Ghana. Traditional medical systems are often the first choice for healthcare in low-income countries, especially in rural areas. While the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) is recognized, the role of other traditional practitioners, such as traditional healers, has received less attention. This study aimed to fill this gap in knowledge and understand the relevance of traditional healers in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
Highlights:
– Traditional healers are extensively consulted in northern Ghana to manage obstetric complications.
– Their clientele includes families who prefer traditional medicine due to access issues or cultural beliefs.
– Traditional healers claim expertise in complications related to witchcraft and culturally defined syndromes.
– Many healers expressed a willingness to work with formal health services, as they possess unique knowledge, skills, and community trust.
– However, this integration would require stronger acknowledgement and inclusion within safe motherhood programs.
Recommendations for Lay Reader:
1. Recognize the important role of traditional healers in managing obstetric complications in northern Ghana.
2. Understand that traditional healers are sought after by families who cannot access modern healthcare or have cultural beliefs favoring traditional medicine.
3. Consider the unique expertise and skills possessed by traditional healers in managing complications related to witchcraft and culturally defined syndromes.
4. Support efforts to integrate traditional healers into formal health services, as they have the trust of the community and can contribute to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.
Recommendations for Policy Maker:
1. Acknowledge the significant role played by traditional healers in managing obstetric complications in northern Ghana.
2. Develop strategies to collaborate with traditional healers and incorporate their expertise into safe motherhood programs.
3. Provide training and support to traditional healers to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing complications.
4. Allocate resources to facilitate the integration of traditional healers into the formal health system, including establishing referral mechanisms and ensuring coordination between traditional healers and modern healthcare providers.
Key Role Players:
1. Traditional healers: They possess unique knowledge and skills in managing obstetric complications and are trusted by the community.
2. Formal health services: Collaboration and integration with traditional healers would require the involvement of healthcare providers and administrators.
3. Community leaders: Their support and endorsement are crucial in promoting the integration of traditional healers into the formal health system.
4. Policy makers: They have the authority to develop policies and allocate resources to support the integration of traditional healers into safe motherhood programs.
Cost Items for Planning Recommendations:
1. Training programs: Budget for developing and implementing training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of traditional healers in managing obstetric complications.
2. Coordination and referral mechanisms: Allocate resources to establish systems that facilitate communication and coordination between traditional healers and modern healthcare providers.
3. Awareness campaigns: Budget for raising awareness among the community about the benefits of integrating traditional healers into the formal health system.
4. Research and evaluation: Allocate funds for conducting research and evaluation to assess the impact and effectiveness of integrating traditional healers into safe motherhood programs.