Background information

Traditional medicine practitioners include cheiks, medical providers who use the Koran or other Islamic scriptures to treat patients, and herbalists. Some practitioners combine both methods.

Regulatory situation

With the exception of traditional birth attendants, the Government tolerates, but does not officially recognize, traditional medicine. Lacking legal status in Djibouti, no clear regulations control its practice. A 1999 law advocating the necessity to legislate traditional medicine may lead to changes in this regard.

Only one category of traditional health practitioner has been integrated into the public health system: traditional birth attendants. Traditional birth attendants work under the supervision of public health staff in the rural structure of the primary health care system.