Ssemukasa M, Apio S; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 23 (abstract no. Mo.B.305).
Concern Worldwide, Masaka, Uganda. Fax: 256-481-20514.
In Rakai District, Uganda, most families with sick people due mainly to HIV/AIDS cannot afford the high cost of Western Medicine and are often reluctant to use the cheaper local herbal medicine due to uncertainty about their effectiveness. Health facilities in health centres are unavailable to the majority of the population. Objective: To identify and promote the possible alternatives to Western Medicine that can be used effectively in the treatment of opportunistic infections and to find ways of improving accessibility to treatment at no or minimum cost. Method: A study group of 73 people with knowledge and experience of local herbs was identified for Community Based Research. AIDS related diseases also identified and the commonly used herbs for their treatment. The most effective and easily available ones were selected and samples collected for scientific analysis. Individual interviews were carried out with the study group on preparation, administration and other uses. The results of the scientific analysis and individual interviews were fed back to the study group and the community. This included recommendations for the selection, preparation, administration and side effects if any. Results: 25 different types of herbs have been recommended and made available to the patients at no cost by a network of community-based home care volunteers who have also set up herbal gardens and First Aid Boxes. Patients interviewed reported relief and consolation. There is improved and shared knowledge of the herbs, improved access to the herbs and appreciation of their effectiveness by the community. Conclusion: Given the constraints outlined above, and donor fatigue, it is important to start looking at how best the local resources can be utilized in developing countries for the improvement of the quality of life.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Complementary Therapies
- Developing Countries
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Medicine
- Medicine, Traditional
- Phytotherapy
- Poverty
- Research
- Residence Characteristics
- Uganda
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102216817
From Meeting Abstracts