Affiliation:
1. International University of Management, Namibia
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to highlight the effect of Namibian cultural practices on its citizen health and simultaneously emphasize the important role traditional healers can play in supporting primary healthcare services. One of the cultural practices of concern discussed in this chapter is that child marriage is encouraged in some Namibian communities; it not only hampers a girl child's educational development, but it also compromises her health and psychological development. According to the literature, culture can contribute towards development through social cohesion and by promoting positive perceptions regarding gender equality for development. Some cultural practices can contribute to health and education enhancement, for example, using medicinal plants to treat various diseases and disorders, with the majority of plants being used to treat mental diseases, skin infections, and external injuries.
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