By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
The Sierra Leone Council of Traditional Healers has disclosed that the number of registered herbalists in the nation has exceeded 9,300, highlighting the vital role of traditional medicine within the country’s healthcare system. This surge in herbalist registrations comes as the medical community contends with a critical shortage of licensed doctors, whose numbers remain below 1,000.
Dr. Sheku Tarawalie, President of the Sierra Leone Council of Traditional Healers, spoke on a Devotion program about the commitment of the herbalist community to provide quality healthcare. He addressed recent critiques regarding unregistered practitioners and the misuse of traditional practices in ritualistic contexts. “We have been misunderstood as a diabolical institution, which is far from the truth,” Dr. Tarawalie stated, emphasizing that only those registered with the Council are recognized as legitimate herbalists.
He added that the Council recently faced scrutiny following the arrest of an individual named Hydara on charges related to ritual murder, clarifying that Hydara is not part of their organization. The Council is tasked with distinguishing authentic herbalists from fraudulent practitioners, focusing on the various medical fields in which they specialize, such as treatment for bone fractures, impotence, and pain management. “Those who exploit body parts for power are not true herbalists; they are frauds motivated by monetary gain,” Dr. Tarawalie emphasized.
Despite the high number of herbalists, official statistics from the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) reveal that fewer than 900 medical professionals are currently active in the country, prompting widespread concern over the adequacy of healthcare services available to the population. In response, the government deployed 110 new doctors in 2023, aiming to distribute them between rural areas and the capital, Freetown. However, Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby acknowledged that only around 350 of the 500 doctors are engaged in clinical care, leaving many communities underserved.
The stark disparity between herbalists and doctors raises alarming questions about Sierra Leone’s healthcare landscape. While traditional healers enjoy significant community trust, health experts caution that without further investment in medical education and retention efforts, the existing divide could worsen, endangering public health in the long run.
“There is an urgent need for investment in medical education and infrastructure,” Dr. Demby warned. Traditional healers assert their essential role in the healthcare system, especially in regions where access to formal medical services is limited. “We hope authorities will collaborate with us to eliminate illegal practitioners from the healthcare environment,” Dr. Tarawalie remarked.
As the nation grapples with a rising number of herbalists alongside a shortage of trained medical professionals, Sierra Leone finds itself at a crucial juncture in its healthcare journey. The ongoing challenge is striking a balance between the advantages of traditional healing and the pressing need for modern medical care in underserved areas.
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