Abstract :
Traditional medicine has been the dominant healthcare system in Africa before westernization, civilization and colonialism. For people living in the rural areas, traditional medicine is easily available, accessible and affordable. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the cultural way of the life of Africans has contributed to the emergence and development of traditional therapeutic systems in the continent. By explaining the way Africans perceive illness and disease, this paper argueds that various forms of healing were predicated on the socio-cultural environment of the people. The paper therefore opts for concerted efforts in the development of traditional medicine in Africa through policy formulation and implementation. Also, due to its economic and socio-cultural importance, the area of traditional medicine should be explored through scientific research
Keyword :
Traditional medicine, Healthcare, Africa, Rural