Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Mental Health Care and Policy: Bridging the Gap in Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and South Africa
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Date
2024
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Sponsorship
South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)
Abstract
Incorporating indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) into mental health policies poses challenges throughout Africa. Existing health policies often fall short of comprehensively tackling mental health, neurological and substance use disorders. In Africa, traditional health practitioners (THPs) play a crucial and pivotal role in public health management, as well as health care practices, but are not adequately recognised in public health policies. The session aimed to consider ways of integrating them more effectively into policy.
The session also aimed to explore the intersection of IKS in mental health care and policy across the four countries. The initiative formed part of the Science Advisory and Strategic Partnership Programme of ASSAf.
The objectives of the session were as follows:
• To deliberate on the role of traditional practitioners in mental health care and their contribution to holistic healing practices.
• To explore the integration of THPs and indigenous practices in national mental health policies and their acceptance within the broader healthcare community.
• To identify opportunities for meaningful integration.
• To work towards establishing a platform for mental health stakeholders within the SADC region.
• To share experiences, identify common ground, and address gaps in mental health, decision making and policies.
Description
20 pages
Subject
Mental Health , Indigenous knowledge systems , Traditional health practitioners , Policy , SADC Region , SDG 3 , SDG 10DOI
Citation
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), (2024). Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Mental Health Care and Policy: Bridging the Gap in Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho and South Africa DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2024/98
Peer review status
Non-Peer Reviewed