Traditional Medicine and the Fight against Infectious Diseases

Traditional medicine plays a major role in the management and treatment of infectious diseases in Ghana. Over the years, successive governments have made enormous contributions through initiatives and policies to recognize the importance of traditional medicine in the healthcare system of Ghana. Though traditional medicine is important in healthcare delivery in Ghana, there have been misconceptions relating to the use of traditional medicine in curing infectious diseases. Some have argued that it is ineffective and unsafe due to lack of scientific proof/therapeutic index. This research assessed the effectiveness of traditional medicine in managing and treating infectious diseases in Ghana. The research deployed a qualitative method and a purposive sampling technique. Individuals; ranging from a traditional medical practitioner (1) to orthodox medical practitioners (doctors and nurses) (3) and users of traditional medicine (12) summing up to sixteen (16) participants were interviewed for first-hand data. Secondary information were also collected from books, articles, reports and electronic sources. The study highlights the extent to which traditional medicine has been effective in curing infectious diseases despite the misconceptions surrounding it (NHIS). The study revealed that traditional medicine is efficacious in treating infectious diseases like COVID-19, typhoid, Syphilis, hepatitis B and C, among others and also established that though TM at the local level is noted to have the challenge of proper dosage and prescription, it has no side effects. This study recommends that the government of Ghana collaborate with traditional medical practitioners by providing them with financial assistance to develop if possible, remedies for epidemic and infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS.