Lessons and challenges of practice of traditional medicines as an alternative for COVID-19 vaccine in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought a peculiar experience across the world as populations were engulfed in shocks and panic because of lack of substantive interventions during its early days. Different intervention options were tested, including traditional medicines. Despite the lack of scientific evidence on safety and efficacy, traditional medicines brought calmness and dispelled fear associated with the disease in Tanzania. On the other hand, the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines was met by hesitancy, rumours and doubts about its safety and efficacy.

Aim: This study aimed at understanding how promotion of traditional medicines during the early days of the pandemic affected timely introduction and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.

Settings: The study was conducted in a mix of urban and rural districts, purposively sampled from eight zones of the country.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which employed the qualitative methods including key informant interviews and focus group discussions in eight zones of Tanzania.

Results: Political advocacy on the use of traditional medicines in treating COVID-19 received a massive response across the country. This was driven by a lack of modern medicines during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The introduction and promotion of COVID-19 vaccines in Tanzania provides a learning experience for future epidemics.

Conclusion: Political advocacy influenced public leaning towards traditional medicines, while creating hesitancy on COVID-19 vaccines in Tanzania. This experience emphasises on using scientific evidence to promote interventions during health emergencies.

Contribution: Research on traditional medicines focusing on infectious diseases outbreaks is emphasised to generate evidence which will guide advocacy on its use.