Cost of Traditional Herbal Medicines for Noncommunicable Diseases in Rural and Urban Communities in South Africa

2022 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 66-75
Author(s):  
Gail Denise Hughes ◽  
Oluwaseyi Mayode Aboyade ◽  
Osaretin Christabel Okonji ◽  
Bobby Clark ◽  
Walter Agbor Bawa ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Tshimangadzo Selina Mudau

The chapter presents the use of community engagement as a tool to facilitate rural development in (South) Africa. In its discussion, the researcher used desktop literature review to analyze, compare, and gain insights guiding the use of community engagement to enhance social transformation and sustainable development. The discussion is advanced from the historical background of the emergence of African universities and community engagement. The focus was reflected against the backdrop of the Western approach used among various global universities. In this view, the underpinning objectives, relationship with the researched, and the role of the researching university are detailed. Practical evidence of positive collaborative results within the (South) African communities within the rural and urban communities by universities and other organizations have also been provided. A contrast of various types of community engagement is also provided.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail D. Hughes ◽  
Oluwaseyi M. Aboyade ◽  
Roxanne Beauclair ◽  
Oluchi N. Mbamalu ◽  
Thandi R. Puoane

Economic challenges associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the sociocultural outlook of many patients especially in Africa have increased dependence on traditional herbal medicines (THMs) for these diseases. A cross-sectional descriptive study designed to determine the prevalence of and reasons for THM use in the management of NCDs among South African adults was conducted in an urban, economically disadvantaged area of Cape Town, South Africa. In a cohort of 1030 participants recruited as part of the existing Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study, 456 individuals were identified. The overall prevalence of THM use was 27%, of which 61% was for NCDs. Participants used THM because of a family history (49%) and sociocultural beliefs (33%). Hypertensive medication was most commonly used concurrently with THM. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the potential dualistic use of THM and conventional drugs by patients, as this could significantly influence health outcomes. Efforts should be made to educate patients on the potential for drug/herb interactions.


Author(s):  
Bunmi Isaiah Omodan ◽  
Cias T. Tsotetsi ◽  
Bekithemba Dube

The rural-urban migration syndrome has eaten deep into the fabric of rural development in South Africa, thereby denying rural dwellers equitable access to social and economic amenities and social empowerment. This study, therefore, seeks to emancipate rural communities through an asset-based community development approach by forming university-community synergies for the purpose of decolonising these rural communities. The study attempted to provide a solution to the question of inequalities between rural and urban communities with a focus on how university engagement can be used to enhance community development in QwaQwa/Harismith Township and its environments. The study adopted a participatory action research design and the free attitude interview technique was used to collect data. The research participants consisted of one research assistant and 10 ordinary community members, members of NGOs and community leaders in QwaQwa/Harrismith Township in the Free State province of South Africa. Data collected were analysed through Laws, Harpes and Marcus’s seven-step model. The study revealed that rural dwellers face challenges of inequitable educational facilities and resources, and a lack of security in terms of their lives, properties, and means of travelling. Likewise, the study also showed a lack of access to health facilities in their communities. It was therefore concluded that community engagement through the asset-based approach and decoloniality would enable the university to empower rural dwellers with the freedom to attain their well-being by ensuring an environment that is sufficient and adequate for social investment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 26-31
Author(s):  
Naelaz Zukhruf Wakhidatul Kiromah ◽  
Tri Cahyani Widiastuti

Indonesia has 20,000 types of plants where 300 species have been used as traditional medicines. The use of traditional medicine as an alternative treatment in Indonesia that has been used by both rural and urban communities. The use of traditional medicine is considered safer than modern medicine. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of use of traditional medicine and public awareness in the use of traditional medicine in work area of  Health Center Gombong 1 which consists of 5 villages. This research is a non-experimental and descriptive research that uses a questionnaire. Respondents who participated in this study were 140 people. The characteristics of respondents who participated in this study were the majority of men (50,71%), last educated of elementary school (41,43%), as housewives (27,86%). The majority of people in work area of Health Center Gombong choose treatment with modern medicine (64,29%). In addition there are 35,71% using traditional medicine and the majority use rhizome species (46%) for the treatment of minor ailments. In this study also showed that the majority of people do not know the safety of traditional medicines (50%) due to lack of information so that information is needed on the benefits and safety and the use of good and appropriate traditional medicines.


Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Mei Han ◽  
Kwadwo N. Opoku ◽  
Nana A. B. Bissah ◽  
Tao Su

Solanum aethiopicum is a very important vegetable for both rural and urban communities in Africa. The crop is rich in both macro- and micronutrients compared with other vegetables and is suitable for ensuring food and nutritional security. It also possesses several medicinal properties and is currently employed in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, cholera, uterine complaints as well as skin infections in humans. The crop is predominantly cultivated by traditional farmers and plays an important role in the subsistence and economy of poor farmers and consumers throughout the developing world. It also holds potential for dietary diversification, greater genetic biodiversity and sustainable production in Africa. Despite the numerous benefits the crop presents, it remains neglected and underutilized due to the world’s over-dependence on a few plant species, as well as the little attention in research and development it has received over the years. This review highlights the importance of S. aethiopicum, its role in crop diversification, reducing hidden hunger, the potential for nutritive and medicinal benefits, agricultural sustainability and future thrusts for breeding and genetic improvement of the plant species.


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