Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
Traditional healers and herbalists have lamented deforestation in the country, which they say is affecting their work.
Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association (ZINPA) president Mr Cuthbert Nyaruvenda said massive deforestation and pollution is making life difficult for traditional healers and herbalists.
“Due to deforestation, we are forced to go to the remotest places to get herbs. There is massive pollution in most urban centres and as a result, we cannot harvest herbs from such polluted sources. What we need are pieces of land on which we can grow our own trees and herbs,” Nyaruvenda said.
He raised the concern during the recent commemorations of the African Traditional Medicine Day (August 31).
Mr Nyaruvenda said they appreciated the recognition they are receiving from the authorities and made an appeal to Government to avail land on which traditional healers and herbalists can grow medicinal plants.
“I am happy to say that Government, through the Ministry of Health and Childcare, is formally recognising our work. As stakeholders in the traditional medicine, we are appealing for Government to avail to us land on which we will grow medicinal plants,” he said.
Online Reporter