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, revealed that some suspected Ebola cases are being hidden and managed by herbalists, a situation she said could increase the risk of spreading the disease in the region. Otekat urged herbalists to stop the practice and immediately refer suspected Ebola cases to qualified health professionals for proper management.
She also warned them against crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo in search of herbs, saying such movements could expose communities to infection risks.
According to statistics, more than 400 traditional herbalists operate in Arua City and parts of Arua District, with reports indicating that some are attempting to treat Ebola Virus Disease cases, which is currently affecting parts of Eastern DR Congo. Sally Andezu, the Senior Nursing Officer at Arua City Health Department, said the City Health Enforcement Team is prepared to take action against individuals managing suspected cases without clearance. She said the team will confiscate products and take action against those violating health guidelines.
However, Ratib Kagwa, the Chairperson of Traditional Herbalists in Arua City, said herbalists are capable of managing several illnesses, including cases presenting Ebola-like symptoms. He said 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. According to the Ebola status report, Uganda has registered 20 positive cases with two deaths, while more than 300 people have reportedly died from the Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
