Assessing traditional healers: an observational clinical study of classical Arabic medicine in Mauritania, with comparison of prognosis and outcome.

In a classical Arabic medicine clinic near Nouakchott, Mauritania, two general practitioners observed 170 consecutive consultations. With a follow-up rate of 66%, the studied practices appeared fairly safe and, in many chronic conditions, traditional healers performed similarly to what can be expected with modern medicine. Traditional healers and professionals from the nearby primary health care centre started a weekly joint consultation.