Challenges and prospects of the national indigenous knowledge systems policy in integrating African traditional medicines into the public healthcare system in South Africa.

Abstract

Using a mixed method approach, the study investigated the challenges and prospects of the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Policy (2004) in integrating African Traditional Medicines into the public healthcare system in South Africa. African Traditional Medicines (ATM) and healing systems are increasingly recognized as an important aspect of the primary public healthcare delivery system within and outside South Africa. This is primarily the case in predominantly rural and marginalized communities with limited conventional healthcare services. ATM and healing systems are integral to African cultures and local knowledge systems. The study used a comparative case study and participatory approach, focusing on the uGu and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The study aimed to understand the knowledge and perceptions of local communities as healers and clients, regarding the prospects and challenges of the implementation of the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy (2004), with special reference to ATM. The study followed a comparative approach of two district municipalities in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, with different ecological systems, i.e. uGu and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities. The comparative approach was chosen due to ATMs' cultural and ecological specificity, with uMkhanyakude District in the north of the province having an arid environment and uGu in the south being tropical. These ecological differences were considered critical in assessing traditional medicinal knowledge and healing practices. The study suggested that these ecological differences must be considered when implementing the IKS Policy (2004). Findings revealed that ATM use was prevalent in rural and marginalized communities of both district municipalities, mainly due to limited conventional healthcare services, and the affordability, accessibility, and cultural acceptability of ATM, especially among marginalized communities and social groups such as women, children, and the elderly. However, the majority of traditional healthcare practitioners and their clients in both district municipalities were not ware of the existence of the National IKS Policy (2004). The study recommended the following: 1. Because substantial numbers of ordinary people in African local communities, including the study areas, onsulted ATHPs for primary healthcare, this study suggests the great need for more comparative, culturally and ecologically specific research studies to understand the significance of this healthcare and associated local community-based knowledge systems in advancing healthcare, social and epistemic justice. 2. The limited knowledge and awareness among various stakeholders, including ATHPs, regarding policy frameworks related to IKS and ATM, calls for a deeper investigation of specific challenges commonly encountered by ATHPs and their clients across South Africa. This investigation should also explore the implications for policy development and implementation. 3. Finally, a critical review of existing legislation and active engagement with relevant policymakers to address the challenges of integrating African traditional medicine into the public healthcare system is recommended for future studies.