Traditional healers ask NAC for HIV test kits to strengthen referrals to clinics

Traditional healers have called on the National AIDS Council (NAC) to provide them with HIV rapid test kits, arguing that the move would improve early detection of HIV and strengthen referrals to health facilities. The request was made during the 2026 National AIDS Council and Traditional Medical Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (TMPCZ) National Sensitisation Workshop held in Macheke last week.

The three-day workshop brought together traditional medical practitioners from all 10 provinces to discuss collaboration in the prevention and management of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and hypertension, as part of Zimbabwe's broader public health strategy. Traditional healers said they are often the first point of contact for patients seeking treatment, particularly in rural communities, but face difficulties persuading some people to seek HIV testing and medical care.

Bridget Simango, a traditional healer from Gweru, said some patients presenting symptoms associated with HIV continue to believe they have been bewitched and are reluctant to visit health facilities for testing.

"We use traditional medicine to assist people, but we sometimes encounter patients who present with symptoms associated with HIV while insisting they have been bewitched," Simango said.

"We are requesting that NAC provide us with HIV testing kits so that patients can be tested immediately where appropriate.

"Many patients do not act on verbal advice alone. If we are able to identify possible cases early, we can encourage and refer them to hospitals for further management."

She said traditional healers could complement Zimbabwe's healthcare system by referring patients for diagnosis and treatment rather than attempting to manage conditions beyond their scope.

Another traditional healer, Betty Gwatidzo of Rusape, urged practitioners to recognise the limits of traditional medicine and prioritise timely referrals to hospitals.

"No one has the capacity to treat every illness. When a condition falls outside your expertise, the responsible thing is to refer the patient to a health facility," she said.

"We hope NAC and the Government will consider our request because early testing and referral can help save lives."

Gwatidzo also cautioned against delayed referrals, saying some patients lose valuable treatment time while seeking alternative remedies.

Emmanuel Chadira, popularly known as Sekuru Shumba from Gokwe, said traditional healers should work alongside Zimbabwe's formal healthcare system rather than in competition with it.

"There are diseases, including HIV, that require medical treatment. Our role is complementary, and patients should be encouraged to attend clinics and hospitals for appropriate care," he said.

He also criticised reports of some traditional healers allegedly keeping seriously ill patients under their care instead of referring them to health facilities.

"We discourage any practitioner from keeping critically ill patients when they require hospital treatment. Referrals should be made whenever a condition is beyond one's capacity."

Zimbabwe has increasingly promoted collaboration between conventional health services and traditional medical practitioners as part of efforts to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early HIV testing and prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy remain among the most effective strategies for reducing HIV-related illness, preventing transmission and improving long-term health outcomes.

Traditional healers HIV testing kits Zimbabwe