This primary health care handbook has been written in response to requests that we have received from traditional healers, and it has been compiled after wide consultation with healers throughout South Africa. Besides the most obvious objective of providing a manual which serves to bridge the gap between traditional and orthodox approaches to the understanding, diagnosis and management of common diseases, it is hoped that other health needs will also be promoted by this pioneering effort. These include: (i) addressing an important and comparatively neglected scientific research and public health field; (ii) encouraging young scientists and clinicians to take the lead in promoting and researching into traditional medicines; and (iii) establishing a comprehensive database on traditional medicines and their rational and safe use in southern Africa, and beyond. This initiative supports the South African National Drug Policy, giving emphasis to the rational and safe use of medicines, including traditional medicines.