Shaping the Future of Digital Artists The Vital Role of Traditional Medicine in HIV Care

<br><br>**Title** Shaping the Future of Digital Artists The Vital Role of Traditional Medicine in HIV Care<br><br>As digital artists continue to push the boundaries of their craft in 2025, it's essential that we acknowledge the critical role traditional medicine plays in ensuring HIV patients' access to effective treatment. This blog post explores how traditional healers are vouchsafing progress made in fighting the virus.<br><br>**The Power of Traditional Medicine**<br><br>In Lesotho, Africa's kingdom, traditional healers have long been recognized for their holistic approach to health care. Sangomas, as they're known, have earned respect for generations through their healing abilities and spiritual guidance. In the face of recent aid freezes, HIV patients are increasingly turning to these trusted practitioners.<br><br>**Meet Lieketseng Lucia Tjatji A Traditional Doctor**<br><br>Lieketseng Lucia Tjatji, a 34-year-old registered traditional healer and fashion designer, is a prime example of this trend. As an HIV-positive individual herself, she understands the desperation that drives people to seek alternative remedies. Her shack on the outskirts of Maseru is filled with containers of roots, powders, and dried herbs – all part of her arsenal against HIV.<br><br>**Evaluating the Efficacy of Traditional Medicine**<br><br>While some medical professionals may question the effectiveness of traditional treatments, Tjatji's patients swear by their results. She urges those on antiretrovirals (ARVs) not to mix their medicines with anything not clinically tested. However, with government-supplied ARVs limited due to recent aid cuts, Tjatji is left with few options.<br><br>**A Desperate Cry for Help**<br><br>I don't want to die. I am so young and I don't want to die, she told AFP, echoing the desperation of many HIV patients worldwide. With traditional medicine becoming a lifeline for those cut off from modern treatment, it's crucial we recognize its value.<br><br>**The Importance of Sangomas in Holistic Health**<br><br>Traditional healers like Tjatji are part of a long-standing system that emphasizes spiritual guidance and community well-being. Mpho Roberta Masondo, director at the African National Healers Association, underscores the importance of traditional medicine in holistic health care.<br><br>**The Dangers of Ineffective Treatment**<br><br>Experts warn that turning to alternative remedies could undo progress in fighting HIV. Jessica Justman, senior technical director at ICAP, a global health center at Columbia University, emphasizes the risks associated with ineffective treatment. Using ineffective treatment is the equivalent of not taking any treatment at all, she said.<br><br>**Vouchsafe Progress**<br><br>In Lesotho, where HIV rates are among the highest in the world, it's essential we vouchsafe progress made in fighting the virus. The UN's 90-90-90 goal – 90% of people with HIV being diagnosed, on treatment, and achieving viral suppression – is at risk if patients turn to ineffective treatments.<br><br>**Conclusion**<br><br>As digital artists shape the future of their craft, it's crucial we recognize the vital role traditional medicine plays in ensuring HIV patients' access to effective treatment. By acknowledging the importance of vouchsafing progress made in fighting HIV, we can guarantee a brighter future for those affected by this devastating disease.<br><br>**Keywords** Digital Artists, Traditional Medicine, HIV Care, Vouchsafe, Lesotho, Africa