Role of Traditional Medicine in Addressing Inequities in Yemen Healthcare System

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Basel Bamarhool, a fifth-year medical student who studies at Hadhramout University College of Medicine in Mukalla, Yemen. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

  The healthcare system in Yemen has been facing significant challenges in the last 10 years due to conflict, economic instability, and lack of infrastructure. These social challenges have allowed health inequities to surface in society, particularly in rural regions where access to healthcare services for the most part is limited. Traditional Medicine, as an alternative practice, has always been playing a crucial role in addressing these inequities, providing essential healthcare where formal medical services are unavailable or unaffordable.

     Traditional Medicine in Yemen is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage, encompassing a range of practices such as herbal remedies, spiritual healing and the use of recurring natural substances. Traditional Medicine is considered by many Yemenis as the first line of defense against illness, due to the fact that it offers an affordable and culturally familiar alternative compared to evidence-based medical practice.

     Traditional Medicine is heavily relied upon in rural regions, where there is no healthcare infrastructure. The lack of equipped hospitals, number of out-patient clinics and trained medical professionals grows the demand for traditional healers to fill the gap, providing inadequate healthcare services. This is particularly important in addressing common illnesses, that if not treated will increase the risk for complications or would have otherwise sequelae such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases or malnutrition, which are prevalent in Yemen.

     Some of the challenges that oppose Traditional Medicine use include lack of regulation and standardization of traditional practices as well as the risk of reliance on Traditional Medicine alone could delay access to necessary conventional medical interventions, particularly in cases of severe or life-threatening conditions. Traditional Medicine remains a vital component of the healthcare system in Yemen particularly in areas where modern medical services are out of reach, despite the aforementioned concerns.

     Traditional Medicine has remained the cornerstone of healthcare system in Yemen for centuries, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Modern medicine requires more efforts to integrate traditional medicine practices, which is in part of Yemeni people belief system. This shall bridge the gap in health management to improve overall well-being in Yemen.

About the author

Basel Bamarhool is a fifth-year medical student who studies at Hadhramout University College of Medicine in Mukalla, Yemen. He is a Medical Education Enthusiast and Public Health Advocate who have participated in many local Public Health campaigns; promoting health and well-being in his locality since 2020.