ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 DECEMBER 2022
CITY’S HEALTH UNIT SIGNS A SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT WITH TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
The City’s Health Unit signed a landmark service level agreement with traditional health practitioners during an event at the Don McKenzie Sports Field in KwaNyuswa on 13 December.
The agreement was signed after discussions on primary healthcare needs and practices by people who rely on traditional medicine. At the core of the discussions was the examination of the role of traditional practitioners in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB, and sexually transmitted diseases.
The agreement encourages integration, cooperation and collaboration between the City’s Health Unit and traditional practitioners.
Rose Van Heerden, Head of the Health Unit, said traditional health practitioners have an important role to play.
“We need to find a way to integrate traditional medicine as many people rely on it when they are ill. Traditional healing is from Africa. We will be working with traditional practitioners to ensure that they are respected and recognised in the health care system,” said Van Heerden.
Van Heerden hailed the agreement, describing it as a historic event that will go a long way in strengthening the relationship between traditional healers and the Municipality.
“We will never have a health plan that does not have a section that speaks to traditional healing. Even with our physical infrastructure, we need to explore a model where we can incorporate traditional healing as well as western medicine. Many people believe in traditional medicine and traditional practices and for us to ensure we get the best possible outcomes for our patients, bringing the two together is vital,” said Van Heerden.
Secretary of the eThekwini Traditional Health Practitioners Forum Musa Cele described the agreement as a stamp of honour from the City.
“As practitioners, we need to preserve our values of Ubuntu, trustworthiness, honesty, integrity, and respect. We are happy about this agreement and are ready to play a major role in primary health care. We are committed to working with all stakeholders,” said Cele.
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communication Unit.
For media enquiries contact the Municipality’s Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220.
