Over 9,000 Registered Traditional Healers Outnumber Doctors in Sierra Leone

The Sierra Leone Council of Traditional Healers has revealed that more than 9,300 herbalists are now officially registered across the country a figure that vastly exceeds the nation’s fewer than 1,000 licensed doctors.

The growing prevalence of traditional medicine has reignited debate over Sierra Leone’s already strained healthcare system, particularly in rural areas where communities rely heavily on herbalists due to limited access to professional medical services.

Speaking on a recent media program, Dr. Sheku Tarawalie, President of the Council, emphasized that registered herbalists are committed to providing legitimate healthcare support. He addressed concerns over illegal practitioners linked to harmful and ritualistic practices.

“We have been misunderstood to be a diabolical institution, and that is not the truth,” Dr. Tarawalie said. He clarified that Hydara, a man recently arrested over alleged ritual killing, “is not a member of our union.”

Dr. Tarawalie highlighted that traditional healers specialize in treating broken bones, impotence, managing pain, and other ailments. He firmly rejected the perception that herbalists engage in ritual activities for wealth or power. “That is the evil side of it. Those who use body parts to get power are fake, and only do it for money,” he stated.

To maintain credibility, the Council subjects registered herbalists to strict evaluations before approval. Sorcerers undergo object-finding assessments, while herbal healers are examined based on the plants and remedies they prescribe.

Despite the widespread reliance on traditional medicine, the shortage of certified doctors continues to strain the national healthcare system. The Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association estimates that fewer than 900 doctors are practicing in the country, far below the demand for medical professionals.

Government efforts to address the gap included the deployment of 110 new doctors in 2023 across Freetown and provincial areas. However, Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby notes that only around 350 of the country’s 500 active doctors are engaged in clinical care, leaving many communities underserved.

Health experts warn that without significant investment in medical training and doctor retention, the imbalance between traditional healers and modern healthcare could worsen, posing risks to public health.

Traditional healers, meanwhile, assert that they remain an essential lifeline for rural communities. “We want authorities to continue working with us to eradicate illegal herbalists in the country,” Dr. Tarawalie said.

With thousands of traditional healers on one side and a limited number of trained doctors on the other, Sierra Leone faces urgent questions on how to balance traditional healing practices with modern healthcare and ensure safe, accessible medical services for all citizens.