Traditional Medicine (TM) has been practised in Ghana from time immemorial and many Ghanaians still patronise the services of traditional medical practitioners (TMPs). However, TM has not been integrated into the formal healthcare delivery system of the country. This might be partly due to attitudes and perceptions towards it. The aim of the study was to find out the attitudes and perceptions of Scientific Medical Practitioners (SMPs) towards TM in Ghana and then propose measures for the full integration of TM into Ghana's healthcare delivery system. A descriptive survey methodology was used to solicit responses from all 33 SMPs practising in the Central Region of Ghana. An in-depth interview and self administered questionnaire were the main instruments used for data collection. The main result of the study is that, although SMPs would want the full integration of TM into the formal healthcare delivery system, when confronted with possible ways of working with TMPs they showed reluctance to accepting them as equal partners since they perceived their practice as inferior to theirs. In order to reduce the mistrust and lack of understanding of the philosophy that underlie Scientific Medicine and Traditional Medicine, there must be regular consultations and dialogue between and among practitioners of the two medical systems. This may engender the needed trust and respect that the practitioners need to accord each other in order to develop and integrate TM into the national healthcare system.

There is limited data regarding HIV disclosure in Ghana. This study sought to examine parental disclosure of HIV status to children, ascertain reasons for disclosure and nondisclosure and also the effects of parents' decision. 26 parents living with HIV and 21 children were selected in Accra and Cape Coast purposively and conveniently and interviewed. Out of a total of 26 parents living with HIV, the majority numbering 18, made up of two males and 16 females had not disclosed their status. Reasons for nondisclosure included: fear of stigmatization and discrimination; children being too young; not wanting the children to get worried; and children thinking their parents would die. The majority of those, who had done the disclosure, were young. One effect was that most children became sad, after the status of their parents had been disclosed to them. They, however, readjusted and provided support to their parents. Another effect was that the children became knowledgeable or more knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS. In a country, where HIV is seen as a shameful disease, Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) experience massive stigmatization and discrimination. Intensification of the fight against stigmatization and discrimination and equipping of PLHIV with skills necessary for disclosure are critical.

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