UZ starts offering certificate in traditional medicine

THE University of Zimbabwe has started offering a six-month-long certificate in traditional medicine with a two-week block release. The certificate is being offered in conjunction with the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC).

TMPC, guided by the Traditional Medical Practitiobers Act, Section 2 Subsection 2 (b), says it will promote the practice of traditional medical practitioners and to foster research and development of such practices.

This was the reason why it was collaborating with the UZ.

Mr Chiedza Maponga, chairman of TMPC who is also the director of school of pharmacy at the UZ, yesterday said the course was designed to educate and guide traditional faith healers in their operations.

"This course is there to train traditional healers in understanding the law, ethics, principles of business and community development in their fields".

Mr Maponga said the nature of the programme was also to change misinformation and stigma people had on traditional healers.

He said they intended to train at least 600 traditional healers throughout the country.

The lectures are expected to attract guest speakers from different fields.

The programme structure with eight modules is expected to teach core subjects such as dealing with herbs and also enable them to polish up on their fields.

All students will be taught all the basics of traditional medicine.

The certificate will be awarded after each student has done all modules and a general practice at hand.