I am writing to complain about the many factual errors, the totally unsubstantiated opinions that are expressed as facts and the bias shown in the article referred to above:
1)â€Although the value of African traditional medicine is becoming increasingly respected around the world,â€
This is not true. Some specific substances and chemicals from a very small number of “traditional medicines†are being investigated for possible benefits. Plus there is not one system of “traditional†African medicine, “traditional†African medicine varies tremendously from area to area, it is ludicrous to portray it as if it is some homogeneous, well defined system of treating patients.
2) “Digging for roots and searching for different plants that have medicinal properties is an arduous task, requiring a great deal of skill.â€
This further implies that some medicinal value has already been established and shows the bias of the piece. It is perhaps correct to say “Digging for roots and searching for different plants that IT IS CLAIMED have medicinal properties is an arduous task, requiring a great deal of skill.â€
3)†"I've helped people with so many different diseases - backaches, nosebleeds, fertility problems, STDs, cancer, and even men who can't perform well in bed," said Ambuya Muzhange.â€
The bias is again shown by not challenging this statement. Is it right to allow this statement to stand with millions dying from lack of treatment of their AIDS symptoms? Why was this lady’s statements not challenged and why was she not asked to substantiate her incredible claims?
Surely it is reasonable when publishing an article about health issues and “alternative “ treatments to seek proof that they work? Perhaps the author of the piece should have considered why, as the article put it “…many now prefer the pills of Western medicineâ€, I will offer a simple explanation – it is because those treatments work whereas the “traditional†treatments don’t.
4)†"With Aids-related ailments, if someone comes in the early stages I can help them."
In a continent with millions dying every year from AIDS it is irresponsible reporting to allow these statements to be presented without them being challenged. There is no “traditional†cure that has been proven to cure or even slow down the progression of AIDS. (Indeed since it is a recent disease one wonders how a “traditional†cure could have been developed.)
5) “As well as being a psychotherapist, Geraldine Kocroft is a fully-fledged traditional healer or n'anga.
…snip…
"It's absolutely priceless, it really works, and God has given it to us, but unfortunately I feel it's a slowly dying art," she said.
This now passes from the sublime to the ridiculous, a claim that “it†works from “psychotherapist†is the verification for the article?
I have rarely seen such a biased article outside of a New Age healer’s website. Considering the real health issues faced by the people of the African continent (such as the millions dying from AIDS and children dying because of easily preventable diseases) your article is irresponsible, dangerous, misleading and inexcusable.
Regards
