Ethical considerations in African traditional medicine: a response to Nyika.
Like other so-called 'parallel' practices in medicine, traditional medicine (TM) does not avoid criticism or even rejection. Nyika's article 'Ethical and Regulatory Issues Surrounding African Traditional Medicine in the Context of HIV/AIDS' looks at some of the issues from a traditional Western ethical perspective and suggests that it should be rejected. I respond to this article agreeing with Nyika's three major criticisms: lack of informed consent, confidentiality and paternalism. However, as traditional healers are consulted by over 70% of South Africans before any other type of healthcare professional, a blanket negation of TM is not possible, nor is it politically feasible. A pragmatic approach would be to work within the current structures for positive change. I point out that, as all cultural practices do, TM will change over time. Yet, until some regulations and change occur, the problem of harm to patients remains a major concern.
van Bogaert
Donna Knapp
DK
Faculty of Health Sciences, Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards; D003906:Developing Countries; D004989:Ethics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000941:ethics; D013019:South Africa