A groundbreaking initiative, the Omuyambi Project, is forging a vital link between traditional healers and Uganda’s Ministry of Health in a concerted effort to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Led by Associate Professor Juliet Mwanga, the project aims to harness the trust and accessibility of traditional healers to encourage HIV testing, counseling, and referral to healthcare facilities, as well as to re-engage individuals who have interrupted their HIV/AIDS treatment.
The necessity for this innovative approach stems from the challenges faced by some individuals living with HIV/AIDS in accessing and adhering to conventional healthcare. Concerns such as perceived rudeness from health workers, the distance to clinics, long waiting times, and pervasive stigma have led some to seek the support and understanding of traditional healers, who often speak their language, understand their cultural context, and offer a non-judgmental space.
According to Principal Investigator Dr. Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, the Omuyambi Project empowers traditional healers to conduct initial HIV tests using OraQuick kits. Positive cases are then referred to established HIV/AIDS clinics, such as ISS, where confirmatory testing and access to medication are provided. To address the concerns about clinic experiences, the project has designated contact persons at these clinics who offer special attention and support to patients referred by traditional healers, ensuring a smoother transition into care. Furthermore, Omuyambi actively promotes adherence to treatment and provides crucial social support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
May 7 2025,the project convened a significant stakeholder engagement meeting with the Ministry of Health, specifically the Department of Community Health, to share its findings and discuss the way forward. The event was graced by key figures including the Commissioner of Community Health, Dr. George Upenytho, alongside other Ministry of Health officials, traditional healers, researchers, and representatives from the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) grants office.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Peter Ssebutinde, the District Health Officer for Mbarara District, emphasized the need to appreciate and enhance HIV/AIDS service delivery through expanded care models that address not only biomedical needs but also psychosocial, nutritional, and economic factors. He lauded the Omuyambi Project for providing evidence of the effectiveness of integrating complementary medicine practitioners and herbalists into the broader healthcare system. “Such projects provide evidence that the models are effective; we need not to ignore them,” Dr. Ssebutinde stated. He further urged stakeholders to translate the generated evidence into practice, emphasizing the importance of educating beneficiaries that complementary medicines are not intended to replace modern Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) but serve as an adjudicative approach. He concluded by advocating for capacity building among health workers in the application of complementary medicines and fostering better collaboration between modern medical practitioners and traditional healers.
Dr. Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire provided a detailed overview of the Omuyambi Project, highlighting the collaborative partnership between MUST and Weill Cornell Medicine, Center for Global Health, USA. She explained that the project rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of engaging traditional healers in rural communities within the Mbarara and Rwampara districts to improve the engagement of people living with HIV in the continuum of care through essential non-clinical support.
Dr. Radhika Sundararajan, Co-Principal Investigator from the US, elaborated on a key study within the Omuyambi Project that focuses on training 12 traditional healers in ART counseling, adherence support, disclosure, and promoting self-efficacy. The study also involves 20 participants living with HIV who had previously defaulted from care. Dr. Sundararajan underscored the critical role of traditional healers as primary healthcare points of contact in many rural Ugandan communities, emphasizing their potential to significantly enhance HIV care outcomes. Her key takeaway was clear: traditional healers can demonstrably improve the HIV/AIDS cascade of care.
A powerful panel discussion, facilitated by Dr. Winnie Muyindike, featured the traditional healers themselves, who shared their experiences with the project. A central theme was the deep trust communities place in them, providing a valuable platform to discuss HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, and medication. This was followed by another panel, moderated by Dr. Denis Nansera, which explored how the Ministry of Health can further integrate the project’s learnings to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS at all levels.
Voices from the Field: Traditional Healers’ Experiences
Stephen Tumuhumuze, a traditional healer that deals with diabetes, hypertension, ulcers was identified through Bugamba Health Centre IV, shared his success in bridging healthcare access gaps within his community. By proactively engaging with people at public gatherings and initially offering free services, he has successfully identified new HIV-positive cases and reconnected individuals who had interrupted their treatment. Stephen emphasized that the deep trust he has cultivated through his commitment to confidentiality creates a safe space for individuals to seek health services. Witnessing the positive impact of his support has further motivated community members to approach him, underscoring the vital role of trusted traditional healers in improving overall health outcomes and fostering hope. Looking ahead, Stephen expressed a desire for training and equipment to test for conditions like diabetes and hypertension, believing this would enhance his ability to serve his community.
Syson Nahwera, a traditional healer from Rwentonjo, Mbarara, prays for people with spiritual demonic attacks, and restores the spiritual realm. He highlighted the power of community-based healthcare. Working alongside with his sister Rosette Kebirungi, he integrates spiritual healing with HIV/AIDS awareness. Following his training with the Omuyambi Project, Syson introduced HIV testing to his clients and successfully linked a positive individual to care on his very first day. His experience underscores the significant role trusted community figures play in bridging gaps in healthcare access and encouraging early engagement with HIV services.
In his closing remarks, Commissioner of Community Health Dr. George Upenytho expressed profound gratitude to the traditional healers for their invaluable participation in the Omuyambi Project. He stressed that engaging with traditional healers, who often command greater trust within communities than modern healthcare providers, is crucial to achieving the first 95% target in HIV care. Dr. Upenytho also acknowledged the affordability of traditional healing for many communities. He concluded by affirming the Ministry of Health’s strong interest in the project’s findings and suggested the potential for licensing traditional healers to further improve healthcare delivery in the HIV/AIDS response.
The Omuyambi Project stands as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating the potential of collaborative partnerships between traditional knowledge systems and modern healthcare in addressing complex health challenges like HIV/AIDS in Uganda. By recognizing and empowering the crucial role of traditional healers, the project is paving the way for a more inclusive and effective approach to reaching underserved populations and ultimately achieving better health outcomes for all.
