In South Africa, traditional healers join the fight against HIV. Stigma remains high in rural areas

By Mogomotsi MagomeThe Associated Press BUSHBUCKRIDGE, South Africa (AP) — The walls of Shadrack Mashabane’s hut in the rural South African town of Bushbuckridge are covered with traditional fabrics, with a small window the only source of light. What stands out among the herbs and medicines in glass bottles is a white box containing an HIV testing kit.Mashabane is one of at least 15 traditional healers in the town who, in a pilot study, have been trained by University of the Witwatersrand researchers to conduct HIV testing and counseling in an effort to ensure as many South Africans as possible know their status.It’s part of the largest known effort in the country to involve traditional healers in a public health goal and study the results. Later this year, at least 325 other healers will undergo the training and become certified HIV counselors. Researchers will compare rates of HIV testing by healers and clinics.Traditional healer, Shadrack Mashabane, consults with his wife before testing her for HIV in Bushbuckridge, South Africa, May 9, 2024. While South Africa has made strides in fighting HIV, prevalence remains high and stigma is widespread in many communities with researchers hoping the relationship of trust between villagers...