Abstract:
There is general recognition of the use of traditional medicine alongside synthetic
medicine to cure different diseases in primary health care at the global level. In Africa, particularly in
sub-Saharan Africa, 80% of the population uses traditional medicine to cure different diseases. In line
with this trend, the researchers noted a steady increase in the use of traditional medicine among staff
members at Mzuzu University, Malawi. This trend is contrary to the general belief that most ‘educated’
people have a negative attitude towards the use of traditional medicine as a solution to their health
problems. This observation prompted researchers to investigate the use of traditional medicine among
staff members at Mzuzu University in Malawi. The study used the social survey design, which used a
questionnaire. Participants were purposively selected using snowball sampling to identify respondents
of the study. The study revealed that some staff members use traditional medicine. Furthermore,
findings show reasons such as promoting health, curing diseases and preventing diseases. Sources of
information such as friends, colleagues and neighbours and family were frequently used in promoting
knowledge about the use and awareness about traditional medicine. The study concludes that the
use of traditional medicine is not only restricted among the rural population but also the literate
population in higher education institutions. The study recommends that the Government of Malawi
should formulate a policy, which will recognise traditional medicine in primary health care. The study
also recommends libraries to develop collections on traditional medicine and continue documenting
indigenous knowledge.
