Malaria control and treatment: the role of indigenous practices in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Beside the use of conventional medicines, Zimbabweans rely on native malaria control and treatment practices. This mini-review therefore seeks to identify and assess applicability of Zimbabwean indigenous practices in the fight against malaria. This work is based on evaluation of literature and data was retrieved from databases such as the Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Research Gate. Five categories of indigenous practices used in the fight against malaria were identified and these are (1) use of herbal and other traditional medicines in malaria, (2) use of traditional environmental indicators, (3) the use of red-hot granite rock and water, (4) burning of dung and plants to deter malaria vectors and (5) spiritual malaria treatment based on faith and traditional healers. Beyond these traditional practices, an overview of medical pluralism, indigenous health practices and decolonisation of public health is presented. It has been shown that herbal medicines are applicable in the fight against malaria. However, burning of plants and dung can be applied in the production of mosquito coils to prevent mosquito bites. Additionally, steaming is just limited to the management of fever and spirituality has no scientific basis on malaria management. Despite the application of indigenous practices in the fight against malaria in Zimbabwe, there is inconclusive evidence on their applicability in the main stream health systems. A comprehensive study should be conducted in order to scientifically evaluate the applicability of these indigenous practices.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Despite the efforts made in the fight against malaria in Zimbabwe, this disease is still one of the most common vector-borne diseases in the country. In addition, to conventional malaria treatment, indigenous practices have been applied in the fight against malaria in Zimbabwe. Beyond the traditional practices, the used use of different approaches in the treatment of malaria (medical pluralism) and decolonisation of mainstream health practices are presented. Among the traditional practices, it has been shown that herbal medicines burning of dung are applicable in the fight against malaria. However, other practices such as, steaming and spirituality lack substantial scientific basis on malaria management. Despite the application of indigenous practices in the fight against malaria in Zimbabwe, there is inconclusive evidence on their applicability in the main stream health systems.

Keywords:

• Indigenous practices
• traditional medicines
• malaria
• Zimbabwean health systems
• medical pluralism
• indigenous knowledge systems
• public (global) health

Reviewing Editor:

• Joe Thomas, Institute of Health and Management, Australia

Subjects:

• Epidemiology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zakio Makuvara

Zakio Makuvara, the corresponding and first author, is a lecturer and researcher at Great Zimbabwe University. He is currently a PhD student at the University of South Africa, working on antimalarial resistance and the efficacy of antimalarial plants against malaria.

Solomon Ramagoai Magano

Solomon Ramagoai Magano is Professor of Zoology, currently the Executive Dean in the CAES, University of South Africa.

Grace Mugumbate

Grace Mugumbate is a Professor of Chemistry and drug discovery, currently Pro-Vice Chancellor at the Midlands State University.