By Bigboy Madzivanzira
The recognition of traditional medicine in Zimbabwe has been a long-standing issue, with many herbalists and traditional healers facing challenges in getting their practices acknowledged by the formal healthcare system. Recently, a herbalist’s medicine was approved by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) for treating warts. However, doctors from the Ministry of Health and Child Care are hesitant to refer patients, citing lack of legal basis. This highlights the difficulties traditional healers face in getting recognition and integration into mainstream healthcare.
The Traditional Medical Practitioners
Council of Zimbabwe (TMPCZ) regulates traditional medical practices, but the regulatory framework remains unclear. The Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) advocates for traditional healers’ rights and promotes their practices.
As a Health Promotion Practitioner and registered traditional medicine practitioner, I note that patients using traditional medicine and physiotherapy show better outcomes than those using physiotherapy alone. However, sharing these findings is challenging due to lack of clear referral pathways and documentation systems.
The biggest barrier to change is the colonial-era laws and policies governing healthcare in Zimbabwe and Africa. Repealing or revising these laws could create a more inclusive healthcare landscape. Some African countries are taking steps to recognize traditional medicine, such as South Africa’s Traditional Health Practitioners Act (2007) and Ghana’s Traditional Medicine Practice Act (2000).
“Colonial-era policies were designed to suppress the economic empowerment of black people, including traditional healers, by restricting their ability to establish and grow their own practices, thereby perpetuating a system of dependency and marginalization.” – Mr Alton Hadzisa, Registered Traditional Medicine Practitioner and Owner of ZimBotanics.
Breaking News: Herbalist Honored for Wart Treatment
Zimbabwe is celebrating a milestone in traditional medicine! Herbalist Reuben Mukwe received a certificate for his wart treatment herbs, which met Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe standards. “It took me three years of research and scientific testing,” says Mr Mukwe. This achievement paves the way for traditional medicine recognition in Southern Africa.
“Citizens must be given a choice to choose either conventional medicines or traditional medicines when they visit the hospitals.” – Herbalist Reuben Mukwe
A Testimony to Traditional Medicine
Mr Mukwe’s wart treatment has already shown remarkable results, with a woman experiencing significant improvement after just two weeks of treatment. This is a significant breakthrough, given the prevalence of warts and other sexually transmitted infections in Harare City health clinics and other towns and mining areas in Zimbabwe.
A woman in Kwekwe who was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in South Africa is another testament to the power of traditional medicine. After being told she had over 7,000 cancer cells, she sought treatment from a herbalist in Zimbabwe. Remarkably, her cancer cells reduced to 4,000, prompting her doctor to encourage her to continue with the herbal treatment.
Dr. Cosmas: A Trailblazer in Cancer Treatment
Another Zimbabwean herbalist making waves in traditional medicine is Dr. Cosmas, who is treating cancer patients with Mujibos in Botswana. “Traditional medicine is not just about treating diseases, it’s about healing the body, mind, and spirit. I’m proud to be part of the movement that’s putting Zimbabwean traditional medicine on the global map.” – Dr. Cosmas. His work is a testament to the potential of traditional medicine in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges in Africa.
Sekuru Nyangatayani’s Global Recognition
Sekuru Nyangatayani, a renowned traditional healer from Glendale, recently represented Zimbabwe at the Hong Kong International Chinese Medicine and Traditional Medicine Conference 2025, showcasing the country’s indigenous medicine sector. His participation was a significant milestone, highlighting Zimbabwe’s traditional medicine practices and products globally.
The conference provided a platform for Sekuru Nyangatayani to share his expertise and raise Zimbabwe’s profile in the international traditional medicine arena. He expressed optimism that the exposure will pave the way for partnerships and innovations in traditional medicine.
Key Highlights of Sekuru Nyangatayani’s Participation:
– International Recognition: Sekuru Nyangatayani’s herbal remedies received international recognition, highlighting Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
– Collaboration Opportunities: The conference provided opportunities for collaboration with Chinese universities, researchers, and industry professionals.
– Cultural Exchange: The event facilitated cultural exchange, creating synergies between indigenous knowledge and tourism at local, regional, and international levels.
Sekuru Nyangatayani’s efforts are part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, aligning with the country’s Education policy .
Directory of Traditional Medicine Practitioners
To promote recognition and regulation of traditional medicine, we propose the establishment of a directory of traditional medicine practitioners, indicating their areas of specialty. This will enable patients to access qualified and experienced practitioners.
Schools for Herbal Medicine
We also recommend the establishment of schools for herbal medicine, offering certificates and diplomas in traditional medicine. This will help standardize traditional medicine practices, ensure quality control, and promote research and development.
Mukwe Herbal Clinic and Hospital: A Proposal
Mr Mukwe is proposing the establishment of a herbal clinic and hospital, which will provide a dedicated space for traditional medical practitioners to treat patients, conduct research, and develop standardized treatments. This will enable patients to self-refer and access traditional medicine services, given that doctors from the Ministry of Health and Child Care have no mandate to refer patients to traditional healers.
Media Needs to Shine a Positive Light
It’s high time the media highlights the good work traditional medicine is doing. During COVID-19, Madagascar’s use of local herbs for COVID-19 control showed promising results. Unfortunately, traditional medicine often gets negative press. Let’s balance the narrative and celebrate successes like Mr Mukwe’s wart treatment and Dr. Cosmas’ cancer treatment.
Traditional Healing Authority Proposed
Mr Alton Hadzisa proposes the establishment of a Traditional Healing Authority (THA) with three branches: Traditional Spiritual Healers Council, Traditional Herbalists Council, and Faith Healers Council. This initiative aims to promote recognition and regulation of traditional medicine practices in Zimbabwe.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Traditional Medicine into Public Hospitals
The Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) and the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) have been working towards a more harmonized approach to regulating traditional medicine in Zimbabwe. One potential solution to the challenges they face is integrating traditional medicine into public hospitals. Advocating for building clients and hospitals could be a win-win for traditional medical practitioners and the broader healthcare system.
By integrating traditional medicine into public hospitals, patients could benefit from a more holistic approach to healthcare, and traditional practitioners could gain greater recognition and access to resources. Some potential benefits of this approach include:
– Increased accessibility to traditional medicine for more people
– Greater collaboration between traditional and conventional medical practitioners
– Improved patient outcomes through combined treatment approaches
– Enhanced recognition and legitimacy for traditional medical practitioners
A pilot program is proposed to integrate traditional medicine into one clinic and one hospital. This will provide valuable insights and serve as a model for future expansion.
About the Author:
Bigboy Madzivanzira
Health Promotion Practitioner (HPP), Registered Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner, Registered Traditional Medical Practitioner, and Accredited Freelance Journalist
Contact: 0773 367 913 or healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com