1. Biomedical and Traditional Healing Collaboration on HIV/AIDS
Professor Nceba Gqaleni
DST/NRF Research Chair: Indigenous Health Care Systems

2. Vision & Mission of the DST/NRF Research Chair
To restore the dignity of African Traditional Medicine through excellence in research
To become a centre of choice for traditional health practitioners, IK knowledge holders and scientists for research of African TM

3. Healers and doctors sign memorandum
“The groundbreaking agreement was sealed after a meeting at the Nelson R Mandela Medical School, which was attended by King Goodwill Zwelithini, KZN Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize and the national Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang”
Farook Khan and Wendy Nzama. The Mercury, 24 Oct 2003

4. PEPFAR Collaboration project
Focus on the
establishment of a
strategic collaboration
between public health
clinics and Traditional
Health Practitioners
Prevention
Palliative care
VCT and referral
OVC

5. THPs TRAINED
The project began in 2005/2006 financial year in the eThekwini district. It is currently in its fourth year of operation.
At the end of the second year the project had 174 trained THPs actively involved.
An additional number of 309 THPs were trained during 2008 increased the number of THPs actively involved to 483 at the end of the third year.
In the third year the project expanded to include two new districts i.e. Ilembe and Umgumgumdlovu.
Currently the project has 736 trained THPs participating in the project.
The eThekwini Skills Development Unit agreed as their outreach programme to develop and capacitate THP's on Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET).
There are 120 THP's that attend 2 classes at KwaNgcolosi and KwaMakhutha. This service further enhances the work we are doing.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation
Site Initiations
After each training session site initiations are undertaken
A site initiation is an additional meeting between Traditional Health Practitioners and the M&E team to initiate the project on the ground. It serves to once more review all materials and handing over of the necessary resources to THPs.
Also explained is the process and frequency by which data collectors will engage with the THPs and the assurance that additional and ongoing support and assistance will be provided as and when required.
The site initiation and site visit also serves to assess the site to ascertain whether it meets all the project requirements before can be declared as a functional site

7. Patient Record Keeping System
All patient and THP details required by the project is entered by the THP into a Patient Record Form (PRF).
Copies of these forms are collected from the THPs and then captured into a central database

8. Data Collection and Data Capturing
All Standard Operating Procedures and other guidelines have been fully developed and implemented.
The Data Monitors (DM) visit the THPs bi-weekly to collect the PRFs as well as provide support and assistance where required.
Both the data collection and data capturing processes have improved significantly over the last year and is operating more efficiently.
There has been an improvement in the quality of data that has been captured, PRFs have less errors, inconsistencies and missing data.
There are currently 16 Data Monitors and 6 Data Capturers employed on the project

10. REFERRAL SYSTEM
THPs are encouraged to refer patients when deemed necessary in their opinion to public health facilities.
A nursing sister employed to assist in this process is located at the eThekwini Municipality and reports to the manager from the Council.
Her function is to establish links with the referral clinics to capture the number of people who have been referred for VCT and care.

12. Numbers of patients reached through prevention messages and care
Indicators
2006
2007
2008
2009
Total no. patients seen
2067
1804
12864
10113
Patients received advice on Condom use
1967
1290
11389
9191
Patients received advice on Abstinence and Being Faithful
1870
1308
11810
9532
Patients received advice on Abstinence only 54
N/A
250 92
Patients suspected of HIV
981
606
3345
1839
Patients received palliative care
2086
1615

13. Enhancing prevention communication
A new strategic approach has been developed and implemented where THPs use the knowledge acquired during the training to promote prevention messages and behavior change in their community activities e.g. school visits, religious functions and other community gatherings like imbozos.

15. ACKNOLEDGEMENTS Supported by the US Program Mission to South Africa,
CDC U62/CCU024561
The contribution of the THP colleagues who have so generously shared their wisdom and expertise is greatly appreciated
Patients for consenting