Zimbabweans turn to herbal clinics amid public health crisis: Video
Sick persons in Zimbabwe are now seeking help from herbalists as an alternative as the country’s health system struggles.
These individuals including cancer patients are adopting herbal treatment methods after being disappointed by public hospitals.
Agnes Kativhu, a 67-year-old cancer patient says the herbs have helped her recover after years of suffering.
"I am very happy that I am better now because of the herbals as compared to when I was taking tablets for cancer treatment. I have stopped taking the cancer medicine from the hospital and I now rely on the herbs that have resulted in the eradication of the cancer," she told the AFP.
However, doctors have warned that relying on herbs can delay early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Dr. Nothando Mutizira, head of oncology at Parirenyatwa Hospital, says many patients arrive at hospitals too late by which time their cancer is often at an advanced stage, making treatment harder and less effective.
Zimbabwe’s health system is overwhelmed as hospitals struggle with limited equipment and resources.
