Helpdesk Report: Ebola - Traditional healers, witch doctors, burial attendants

Focuses on the impact of traditional healers, witch doctors and burial attendants on Ebola in West Africa

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
1 January 2015
Country:
Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda
Document Type:
Thematic Summary
Theme:
Health, Social Change
Authors:
Thompson, S., Mahua Das

Abstract

This helpdesk focuses on the impact of traditional healers, witch doctors and burial attendants on ebola in West Africa. It seeks to establish if there is a difference between witch doctors, herbalists and traditional healers in terms of when people see them and the kind of treatment they provide. It goes on to explore the roles of these actors in preparing bodies for burial and at funerals. It provides information on secret societies. The report goes on to explore behaviour change. It provides information on payment of traditional healers as a leverage point.

Citation

Thompson, S.; Mahua Das. Helpdesk Report: Ebola - Traditional healers, witch doctors, burial attendants. Health and Education Advice and Resource Team (HEART), Oxford, UK (2015) 32 pp.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2015
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