Traditional Healers and Global Surveillance Strategies for Emerging Diseases
Author Information
Author(s): Nora Ellen Groce, Mary Elizabeth Reeve
Primary Institution: Yale School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Including traditional healers in global surveillance networks can improve the early identification and reporting of emerging infectious diseases.
Conclusion
Integrating traditional healers into global disease reporting systems is essential for timely identification and response to new and reemerging infectious diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- Traditional healers are often the first health specialists to see patients with new diseases.
- Many communities rely on traditional healers for medical care due to limited access to modern healthcare.
- Effective communication between traditional healers and local health systems is crucial for disease surveillance.
Takeaway
Traditional healers are often the first to see new diseases, so we need to include them in our disease tracking systems to help keep everyone safe.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from the differing perspectives between traditional healers and modern medical practitioners.
Limitations
The commentary does not provide empirical data or specific case studies to support its claims.
Participant Demographics
The commentary discusses traditional healers from various cultural backgrounds, particularly in remote and developing areas.
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