Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management in Local Communities in Africa South of the Sahara

Edmund J Kayombo

The aim of this paper is to establish role of indigenous knowledge (IK) on prevention and management of human immune virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in local communities in south of Saharan countries. Published articles in books, peer reviewed journals and gray literature that focused on HIV/AIDS and IK in south of the Saharan countries were critical reviewed. Literature reviewed showed that traditional remedies helped many HIV/AIDS to cope with illness. Traditional remedies mainly from herbs, honey and psychosocial counselling arrested symptoms of HIV/AIDS that would lead to AIDS. Some of traditional remedies formulations had food components for patients who had no appetite. IK with its practitioners has a significant role to play on HIV/AIDS both in prevention and treatment. It can be captured, translated and be used for the general public for both in prevention and treatment among the HIV/AIDS patients.