Where There Is No Doctor 2011
3. RESPECT YOUR PEOPLE’S TRADITIONS AND IDEAS.
Because you learn something about modern medicine does not mean you
should no longer appreciate the customs and ways of healing of your people. Too
often the human touch in the art of healing is lost when medical science moves in.
This is too bad, because. . .
If you can use what is best in modern medicine,
together with what is best in traditional healing, the combination may be
better than either one alone.
In this way, you will be adding to your people’s culture, not taking away.
Of course, if you see that some of the home cures or customs are harmful
(for example, putting excrement on the freshly cut cord of a newborn baby), you
will want to do something to change this. But do so carefully, with respect for those
who believe in such things. Never just tell people they are wrong. Try to help them
understand WHY they should do something differently.
People are slow to change their attitudes and traditions, and with good reason.
They are true to what they feel is right. And this we must respect.
Modern medicine does not have all the answers either. It has helped solve
some problems, yet has led to other, sometimes even bigger ones. People quickly
come to depend too much on modern medicine and its experts, to overuse
medicines, and to forget how to care for themselves and each other.
So go slow—and always keep a deep respect for your people, their traditions,
and their human dignity. Help them build on the knowledge and skills they
already have.
WORK WITH TRADITIONAL
HEALERS AND MIDWIVES—
NOT AGAINST THEM.
Learn from them
and encourage them
to learn from you.
w3