The Role of Traditional Medicine in Mental Health

Despite advances in treatment, many patients continue to visit places such as Dargas in the hope of a cure through faith. The government in some parts of the country began a Dawa Dua program where patients are encouraged to seek psychiatric help alongside continuing their prayers. Do you think there is a space for such a setup or do you think that this helps patients access modern medicine alongside other forms of healing? Dr. Phillips: I think this was actually a catchment program where you find people with mental health disorders and allow them to experience what is the right to health care for them.