Is there a role for traditional medicine in basic health services in Africa? A plea for a community perspective.

Is there a role for traditional medicine in basic health services in Africa? A plea for a community perspective

Traditional medicine in Africa is contrasted with biomedicine. Most traditional medical theories have a social and religious character and emphasize prevention and holistic features. Traditional medical practices are usually characterized by the healer’s personal involvement, by secrecy and a reward system. Biomedical theory and practice show an almost opposite picture: asocial, irreligious, cu...

Planning and Developing Services for Diabetic Retinopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background Over the past few decades diabetes has emerged as an important non-communicable disease in SubSaharan Africa (SSA). Sight loss from Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) can be prevented with screening and early treatment. The objective of this paper is to outline the required actions and considerations in the planning and development of DR screening services.   Methods A multiple-case study app...

An Evaluation of the Role of an Intermediate Care Facility in the Continuum of Care in Western Cape, South Africa

Background A comprehensive primary healthcare (PHC) approach requires clear referral and continuity of care pathways. South Africa is a lower-middle income country (LMIC) that lacks data on the role of intermediate care (IC) services in the health system. This study described the model of service provision at one facility in Cape Town, including reason for admission, the mix of services and ski...

Global Surgery – Redirecting Strategies for a Global Research Agenda; Comment on “Global Surgery – Informing National Strategies for Scaling Up Surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa”

More than three years have passed since the publication of the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery and its recommendations on scaling up surgery in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). An important gap, the voice of the districts as well as lack of contextualized research, has been noted in its support of national surgical plans that run the risk of being at best, aspirational. Moreover, a ‘one-size-fits-...

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) defines three goals to assess the performance of a health system: the state of health, fairness in financial contribution and responsiveness. We assessed the responsiveness of health system for patients with diabetes in a defined population cohort in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Total responsiveness and eight domains (prompt attention, dignity, communica...