Tanzania integrates traditional healers in Marburg response

TANZANIA—The Africa CDC, Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, WHO, and other partners have organised an orientation session for traditional healers in the Biharamulo District as part of a concerted effort to enhance disease detection and response.

This initiative is designed to enhance community-based surveillance, bolster infection prevention and control measures, and improve risk communication to curb the spread of diseases such as Marburg Virus Disease (MVD).

In rural Tanzania, traditional healers often act as the first point of contact for individuals facing health issues.

They address a variety of conditions, from fevers and infections to perceived spiritual disturbances, and occupy a central role within their communities.

 Given their significance, it is essential to integrate traditional healers into the public health response framework.

The Ministry of Health conducted a mapping exercise in Biharamulo and identified over 600 traditional healers, underscoring the necessity of their engagement in public health initiatives.

Tanzania faced its first outbreak of MVD in March 2023 in the Bukoba District of the Kagera region.

Despite the challenges, prompt public health interventions effectively contained the outbreak.

Yet, by February 2025, another outbreak surfaced in the same region, leading to a high case fatality rate.

Acknowledging the deadly nature of MVD and its potential for further transmission, prioritizing early detection and response remains crucial in preventing future outbreaks and saving lives.

During the training session, 96 participants, including 70 traditional healers, received vital information on recognizing MVD symptoms, facilitating prompt referrals for suspected cases, countering misinformation, and reinforcing collaboration with health authorities.

Meriam Mapinduzi Kagazi, a traditional healer from Biharamulo District, shared that prior to the training, she believed symptoms like vomiting blood or severe diarrhea were indicative of witchcraft.

However, after her education on MVD, she now grasps the seriousness and lethality of the disease.

Ciprian Lunyerere, another respected healer, highlighted the urgent necessity of reporting suspected cases immediately and partnering closely with health officials to curb disease transmission.

Jerry Ua, WHO’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officer, emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement beyond emergency outbreaks.

Traditional healers are trusted figures in their communities, and their involvement in public health shouldn’t be confined to crisis situations.

Equipping them with accurate knowledge and tools enhances the overall disease surveillance system, ensuring improved readiness for future health threats.

Peter Mabwe from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health echoed this view, recognizing traditional healers as vital gatekeepers of community health who play an invaluable role in early disease detection and referrals.

Africa CDC is also investing in practical resources to support traditional healers by developing and distributing a simplified MVD booklet tailored to their needs.

This booklet covers case management, proper reporting channels, and essential dos and don’ts for interacting with clients displaying MVD symptoms.

However, traditional healers like Kagazi express the urgent need for additional resources, such as thermometers and protective equipment, to screen and safeguard their communities effectively.

Integrating traditional healers into public health systems is emerging as a crucial strategy for disease prevention.

For this initiative to succeed fully, sustained engagement, funding, and resource allocation are vital.

As Africa fortifies its health security, the collaboration between traditional and formal medical practitioners must extend beyond mere emergency response into a long-term public health strategy.

This collaborative approach not only boosts preparedness for outbreaks like MVD but also fosters a more resilient health system.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and beyond. Also, follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.