Philippine E-Journals

Traditional-Professional Health Systems Convergence on Child Healthcare in Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao del Sur

Anderson V. Villa

Discipline: Health

 

Abstract:

The “health for all by 2000” campaign initiated in 1978 sparked debates on the integration of the two traditions – traditional and scientific/modern/professional health systems. In colonial times, authorities frequently outlawed traditional medical systems and marginalized these indigenous healing practices. In post-colonial times, the attitudes of Western-trained medical practitioners and health officials have maintained the marginal status of traditional healthcare providers despite the important role that these practitioners play in providing basic healthcare to the rural indigenous communities in most developing countries (Bodekar 1994). 

 

In the late 1990s, policy interest in traditional approaches to healthcare led to a resurgence of interest, investment, and program development in many developing countries (Bodekar). In fact, there are already fourteen countries and areas in the Asia-Pacific region that have developed official government documents recognizing traditional medicine and its practice. This is a remarkable development as opposed to a decade ago when only four countries had done so.