Zimbabweans Turn to Herbalists as Health System Struggles
Due to the collapse of Zimbabwe's public healthcare system, many people are turning to herbalists for treatment, especially for serious conditions like cancer. Never Chirimo, a 66-year-old faith-inspired herbalist in Harare, claims to treat all types of cancer, and he advocates for collaboration between qualified doctors and herbalists. His clinic, like many others in the capital, has become a refuge for patients frustrated by the lack of care in public hospitals.
Agnes Kativhu, a 67-year-old breast cancer patient, shared that after being denied treatment at Harare’s main public hospital, she sought help at a herbal clinic and now feels better. “I was a moving grave, but am now well,” Kativhu said, adding that she was heartbroken by the lack of even basic medication at the hospital.
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system is severely underfunded, with essential equipment like mammogram machines unavailable at the country’s largest public hospital for 15 years. The only operational radiotherapy machine in the entire country is at Parirenyatwa, but it is unable to meet the needs of the millions of Zimbabweans affected by cancer. The hospital also faces staff shortages, as medical professionals leave for better-paying opportunities abroad.
Hospitals frequently suffer from drug shortages, power outages, and deteriorating infrastructure. As a result, those who can afford it often seek treatment in neighboring South Africa, while others turn to herbalists. Many people are increasingly placing their trust in herbal remedies, often due to a fear of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery.
Lovemore Makurirofa from the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe noted that some patients delay seeking proper treatment, relying on herbal medicine instead, which often leads to late-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
Herbalist Never Chirimo, who believes he can treat cancer and even diagnose it, is eager to work more closely with hospitals. “Ultimately, we should work together, as many cancer patients prefer herbal remedies over conventional medicine,” he said.
Despite the challenges, some patients like 58-year-old Wilfred Manatsa, who spent $25,000 on private hospital treatments for prostate cancer, are opting for herbal solutions after exhausting their options. “I put aside my prescribed medications and now rely solely on herbs,” Manatsa explained.
Comments
Post a Comment