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This section explores the role of traditional healers within primary health care systems.

9 Items

Traditional Healing in South Africa

Rudnick, H, Rand Afrikaans University , 2000

An in depth analysis of the role of rituals, traditional medical practices and the community in psychological healing processes in African Communities. (PDF file)

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Indigenous Healing of War-Affected Children in Africa

Green, E.C., Honwana, A., IK Notes, 1999

Focusing on traditional healing mechanisms and rituals used in countries emerging from conflict, this article notes that while rituals and ceremonies are important in promoting community cohesion, they need to be woven into a programme that addresses the practical needs of the community. (PDF file)

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The Role of Traditional Medical Practitioners: In the Context of the African Traditional Concept of Health and Healing

Fr. Ngong The, R., 1998

This paper outlines the complexity of the interaction between environment and community in the treatment of illness in African communities. The paper argues for co-operation between modern medicine and traditional practitioners in a number of areas including mental health. (PDF file)

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UNHCR/WHO

The Mental Health of Refugees

1996

Unit 6 of this manual addresses the role of Traditional Healers in mental health interventions in refugee camps.

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The Survival of Cambodian Culture through the Traditional Healer: A Responsibility in International Mental Health

Eisenbruch, M., Plenary session paper on 21 August 1991 at the World Congress, World Federation for Mental Health, Mexico, 1991

This paper compares the role assumed by traditional Cambodian Healers in refugee communities in countries of resettlement, in countries of first migration and in camps for internally displaced people.

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Pearls of Cross Cultural Care: Circular Burn Scarring on Asian and African Patients

Feldman, K.

A short list of situations in which traditional therapeutic burning might be used.

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The performance of burial rituals

Honwana, A , in 'Refugee Experience-Psychosocial Training Module' Loughry, M., Ager, A (eds), 2001

A short overview of how burial rituals can help in overcoming psychological distress.

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Traditional Healers

Pretorius, E , In 'South African Health Review 1999', 1999

Though this paper focuses solely on South Africa where it is estimated that between 60-80% of the population use traditional healers, it touches upon some of the difficulties of integrating traditional healers into primary health care systems.

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Relationship between the Mundane and the Transcendent

Honwana, A, In Okusiakala ondalo yokalye, Let us light a new fire: Local Knowledge in Post-war Healing and Reintegration of War-Affected Children in Angola: Christian Children's Fund, 1998

Honwana discusses the 'understandings of the relationships between society and the transcendent that have a direct impact on the way health and healing are conceived'.

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