(A)symmetrical conflict between medical doctors and traditional and faith healers in the era of Covid-19 in rural communities of Zimbabwe.
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Date
2020
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Abstract
The paper examines the tension in the social construction of pandemic by doctors,
traditional healers, and faith-based healers and considers the potential public health
implications. Methodologically, the author uses a case study of Mwenezi District in
Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe and draws on autoethnographic experiences to
observe and analyse local level asymmetric confrontations as the Coronavirus
pandemic unfolded. What emerges is how values, beliefs and scientific interpretations
are contributing factors to conflict, and more significantly, the deleterious impact it has
on mobilizing community action against the pandemic. Research findings reveal how
untenable and inconceivable it will be to contain the pandemic without paying
appropriate attention to apostolic sects and traditional healers. Interventions have so
far ignored this social capital.
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Chirambwi, K. (unpublished).(A)symmetrical1 conflict between medical doctors and traditional and faith healers in the era of Covid-19 in rural communities of Zimbabwe.