By Alimamy Jalloh
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Sheku Tarawallie, President of the Council of Traditional Healers in Sierra Leone, has revealed that traditional remedies could potentially cure Monkeypox (M-Pox).
During a demonstration at their headquarters in Waterloo on Wednesday, Tarawallie showcased natural herbs believed to be effective against M-Pox, provided they are utilized before the outbreak escalates.
Tarawallie expressed confidence in the healing properties of these herbs, claiming they are also effective for treating various skin conditions including skin rash, chickenpox, and other localized skin infections. He urged President Julius Maada Bio and the government to integrate traditional healing practices with formal healthcare efforts to combat M-Pox and other diseases more effectively.
The Council of Traditional Healers’ President pointed to several West African countries—such as Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Ethiopia, Mali, and Senegal as examples where modernized traditional methods are successfully used to treat similar diseases.
He noted that in Ghana, up to 80% of modern traditional medicine produced from natural herbs is used in hospitals.
Tarawallie explained that M-Pox differs from chickenpox primarily in the size of the lesions, with M-Pox causing larger, swollen lumps. Locally, M-Pox is referred to as ‘Allay’ in Sierra Leone and is characterized by a more severe reaction on the skin compared to chickenpox.
According to Tarawallie, traditional treatments involve administering herbal remedies both orally and topically. He emphasized that the timely use of these herbs could significantly improve recovery times.
He further explained that dehydration exacerbates the condition, making it crucial to address the skin disease before it progresses.
The Council of Traditional Healers has developed specific herbal medications designed to act quickly, with the potential to treat M-Pox within a week.
Tarawallie attributed the limited impact of traditional medicine to marginalization and lack of inclusion in government health initiatives, particularly during public health emergencies.
He proposed that if the government modernizes and supports traditional medicine, it could significantly reduce the reliance on imported pharmaceuticals. Tarawallie assured that despite the absence of an official government response to M-Pox, traditional herbalists are actively working to prevent the disease and are ready to collaborate with health authorities.
The traditional healers’ community remains committed to proving the efficacy of their remedies and hopes for greater recognition and integration into the national health strategy.
