Traditional herbalists in West Nile have been cautioned against secretly admitting and treating suspected Ebola Virus Disease cases, amid reports that some practitioners in Arua are managing patients with Ebola-like symptoms from their shrines.
The warning was issued during an engagement between the National Drug Authority and traditional herbalists from greater Arua held in Arua City over the weekend.
Betty Otekat, the Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) and chairperson of the Arua City Ebola Taskforce, reveals that some suspected Ebola cases are being hidden and managed by herbalists, a situation she says could increase the risk of spreading the disease in the region.
Otekat urges herbalists to stop the practice and immediately refer suspected Ebola cases to qualified health professionals for proper management.
However, Ratib Kagwa, the Chairperson of Traditional Herbalists in Arua City, says herbalists are capable of managing several illnesses, including cases presenting Ebola-like symptoms.
He says if a patient does not improve within three days, they refer them to government health facilities for further management.
The warning comes amid concerns that some herbalists could be taking advantage of the lack of specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease to make money from desperate patients seeking alternative remedies.
By URN
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