Traditional Medicine Integration within Ethiopian Healthcare Systems: A Mixed Methods Inquiry into Contemporary Practices and Roles

Traditional medicine plays a significant role in healthcare systems across Africa, including Ethiopia, where it is often integrated with formal health services. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with semi-structured questionnaires to gather data from both traditional healers and formal health service providers in urban and rural settings. Traditional healers reported practicing a wide range of herbal remedies (45% of respondents) and spiritual healing rituals (30%). The integration of traditional medicine into healthcare systems is evident, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases and mental health issues where formal services are less accessible. Policy recommendations include strengthening collaboration between traditional healers and formal health providers to enhance service delivery and patient access.