Tanzania has been working with traditional healers to prevent and respond to deadly outbreaks of Marburg virus disease, a highly infectious and lethal illness. For years, many of these healers believed that symptoms like vomiting blood or severe diarrhea were signs of witchcraft, rather than the real cause – Marburg virus disease.
Recently, Meriam Mapinduzi Kagazi, a traditional healer from Biharamulo District, attended an orientation session on Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) to learn about the highly infectious and deadly illness. “It was an eye-opener,” she said. “Many of us thought symptoms like vomiting blood or severe diarrhea were signs of witchcraft. Now we know it is Marburg. It is real, it is deadly, and it can be prevented.”
To combat misinformation and strengthen early detection and response, Africa CDC collaborated with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, WHO, and other partners to provide training for 96 participants, including 70 traditional healers. This initiative aimed to enhance community-based surveillance, improve infection prevention and control practices, and boost risk communication.
One participant, Ciprian Lunyerere, a respected healer in his 70s, highlighted the importance of accurate knowledge and collaboration with health authorities. “Now I know there are diseases we can treat, and there are those we cannot,” he said. “When I see someone with Marburg Virus Disease symptoms, I will not admit them—I will report immediately.”
Jerry Ua, WHO’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officer, stressed the need for sustained engagement beyond emergency outbreaks. “Traditional healers are trusted members of their communities, and their involvement in public health should not be limited to outbreaks,” he said.
To support traditional healers, Africa CDC is developing a simplified Marburg Virus Disease booklet tailored for them. The booklet will cover case management, reporting channels, and critical dos and don’ts when dealing with clients showing Marburg symptoms.
While awareness sessions are valuable, traditional healers like Kagazi emphasize the need for additional resources, including thermometers and protective gear. For this initiative to be fully effective, sustained engagement, funding, and resource provision are essential.
Source: https://africacdc.org/news-item/traditional-healers-join-tanzanias-marburg-response