HOMEOPATHY IN AFRICA PENUEL PANUEL 6636535 PYPH/M

Introduction
Homeopathy – “derived from the Greek words homeo = similar, and pathos = suffering.” Is a
system of medicine which treats disease by remedies prescribed in minute doses, which if
given to a healthy person would develop symptoms like those of disease” [1].
Nigeria
The practice of homeopathy in Nigeria commenced in the early 1960s, the 'All Nigeria
Homoeopathic Medical Association' (ANHMA) was formed in 1979 and officially recognized by
the Federal Government in 1980. Nigerian universities have not included homeopathy in
their medical school curricula, treating it as an outdated therapeutic method. Nigerian
orthodox/allopathic doctors often equate homeopathy with traditional herbal practices [2].
South Africa https://homeopathy.org.za/
The HAS is a voluntary association recognised by the Allied Health Professions Council of
South Africa (AHPCSA) as the official representative of the homeopathic profession in South
Africa.
The homeopathic practice has progressed from lay to a professionally regulated practice,
with formal training available at institutions of higher learning such as the University of
Johannesburg (UJ) and Durban University of Technology (DUT), as well as registration with
the AHPCSA. Homeopathy in SA is regulated by the AHPCSA, which falls under the auspices
of the National Department of Health [3].
Registered practitioners may diagnose, treat, prescribe and treat diseases and illnesses but
are only restricted to private practice. Homeopathy is only accessed privately by those who
have the economic means to afford the service provided through privately run homeopathic
practices or through the purchase of remedies available in the retail space. Those that
accessed homeopaths or bought homeopathic remedies were of the higher living standards
measures (LSMs) [4].
Tanzania https://homeopathyforhealthinafrica.org/
Located at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, this NGO has been in operation since 2008
and has reported to have worked with over 20,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore,
they claim to work alongside doctors and nurses in two Tanzanian hospitals and run 16 rural
outreach clinics throughout the Kilimanjaro region.
Reference
[1] Chauhan, V.K. and Gupta, M. (2018). Homeopathic principles and practice of
medicine. A textbook for medical students and homeopathic practitioners. B. Jain
Publishers (P) Ltd. India.
[2] Nwusulor, E. (2006). Homeopathy: The Nigerian experience. Homeopathy, 95, 105 -
107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2006.01.002.
[3] MOTAU, Asmeralda. A comparative analysis of the practices of homeopathy and
African traditional medicine. 2022. PhD Thesis. University of Johannesburg.
[4] Da Silva-Esclana N. OVER THE COUNTER HOMEOPATHY: EXPLORING PARENTAL
ATTITUDE. Studia Universitatis Babes Bolyai-Oeconomica. 2014;59(2):3-19.