The art and science of curing diseases using medicine started with herbalists. Modern medicine emerged from this concept by identifying the active ingredients within these herbs and formulating them into pills and capsules. Somehow, a misunderstanding arose between traditional practitioners and modern medical doctors despite their common origin. This rift is most regrettable. The issue of the use of traditional medicine in the Gambia is a straightforward one to many… it is a potent alternative to modern medicine. A considerable number of Gambians prefer traditional medicine; others are drawn to it because it is relatively cheaper than modern medicine. The health authorities in the Gambia, through the National Traditional Medicine Programme, are making laudable efforts to ensure the safety of traditional medicine and to incorporate it into the national healthcare system. This is a logical step, given the fact that it is preferred by some in Gambian society for various reasons.
SAFTEY ISSUES

Traditional medicine needs to be made safe. This is linked to the fact that herbs used as traditional medicines might contain toxins which can cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys. Such herbs need to be detoxified prior to use. The strengthening of the concept of a Food and Drugs Board in the Gambia will certainly help in this area.

Herbalists need to work hand in hand with scientists to allow for the testing of the herbs used. This will help in the determination of the efficacy of the herb in question and also to ascertain the dose to be administered to cure a certain ailment. This process is in the best interest of the public.

There are many areas in which traditional practionners and modern medics can work together, and there are other areas in which modern medicine cannot afford to uphold the opinions of traditional practionners such as the following:

Many a traditional healer claims to have a “cure” for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Such opinions must not be tolerated since these conditions are usually life long and need to be managed. A claim by a herbalist to be able to cure hypertension might lead a hypertensive individual to stop his usual medications after being “cured”, this can result in a stroke and death.

Claims by herbalists that they can cure surgical conditions must also be discouraged. Hernias for example need to be repaired by a trained surgeon to avoid complications.

The legal system in the Gambia must be strengthened to allow for the safe practice of traditional medicine without endangering the population.