Bridging Divides: Traditional Healers and Medical Professionals Unite for the Sake of Community Health
By Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
A three-day workshop organized by Fr. Alberto for two parishes in Source Yubu Payam, Tombura County bringing together medical professionals and traditional healers to bridge the gap between these two groups and foster cooperation has been described as “one of the initiatives around the Centenary of the evangelization in the area”
“Last long weekend (Thursday to Sunday) we held the first workshop for medical staff and traditional healers of our two parishes, this is one more initiative around the Centenary of the evangelization in this area, trying to reach out to those estranged from the Church, those at the peripheries, according to Pope Francis”, Fr. Alberto narrated.
Fr. Alberto, the assistant Parish Priest of Ave Maria Parish and St. Thomas stated that the aim of organizing and bringing together the health professionals and traditional healers was to “discuss together how to. improve the health of the inhabitants of this area”, he continued “until last weekend they had been despising one another, and the worst affected were the sick people themselves, so we thought that cooperation among them could replace animosity and prejudice”.
Fr. Alberto a member of the Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle noted that 24 people attended the workshop and the dialogue and mutual learning that took place during the workshop enabled the two groups to appreciate each other’s contribution, and they were able to work together and devise strategies for cooperation.
“The dialogue during the three days was edifying and respectful. Both groups learned much from each other”, he added, “The first positive fact is that 11 of them overcame their long-standing suspicion of the church and responded to the invitation and the second positive and unexpected outcome was the appreciation shown by the health professionals, both from the government and the church facilities, towards the contribution of the traditional healers”, Fr. Alberto explained.
He added that during the workshop dramas were performed and distribution of certificates to showcase the benefit of such collaboration to the wider community.
During an online interview with the Rurugene Online Newsletter, the Spanish-born priest disclosed that “Due to the 100-year history since the first Comboni missionaries arrived here, traditional healers were weary of the Church’s intentions towards them. In the past, their chams were burnt, and from the pulpit, they were signaled as superstitious magicians, who terrorized the people, that is why only 10 of them attended the seminar, and others were enquiring how it was and in 2024 we will organize another combined workshop for all the health workers, and the absentees said this time they will attend.
Fr. Alberto further said, “We are inviting all of them to come and reflect together on how to cooperate to improve the health of our people, using their talents and resources to that end. Therefore, we are encouraging those who practice black magic to leave this practice behind and seek God’s blessings”.