An African theology of healing and its impact on HIV and AIDS

Abstract

HIV and AIDS, like all other illnesses in Africa, is a ‘wake up’ call for Africans to reconsider their traditional ways of healing and their ties with the natural environment as resources that can help HIV and AIDS victims. The use of traditional medicine may serve as an affordable, lasting source of hope for people living with HIV and AIDS-related illnesses. Furthermore, in African traditional healing, the role of God in the Bible and the role of the ancestors are at the core of healing particularly among the AICs. The need for another appraisal of African traditional healing becomes apparent when one rakes into consideration the fact that these healing practices fulfil certain functions not met by modem medicine. The Bible interpreted through African eyes and experience is a source of hope for the development of African Indigenous Christianity and its ability to sustain, heal and care for people.