International Journal of Nursing

The Perception of Illness in Traditional Africa and the Development of Traditional Medical Practice
Akpomuvie. Orhioghene. Benedict

Abstract
The central theme of this paper is that all societies have health-care systems which consist of beliefs, customs, specialist and techniques aimed at ensuring health and diagnosing, preventing and curing illness. The author argued that African indigenous medicine which was neglected for a long time is brought into focus as its demand for the treatment of diseases has become so high in contemporary times. The shortcoming of western medical practices, the incidence of fake drugs and quacks has spurred a resurgence of interest in African traditional medicine and practice. Apart from the reorientation of the social value system of the African society from the prevalent interest in foreign products and technology, the author suggested a reorganization of the curriculum of our medical schools to incorporate the positive elements of traditional medicine and practice.

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