Part 4/7:
While herbalists provide a much-needed service in a time of dire need, their emergence also complicates the overall health landscape. According to the head of oncology in Zimbabwe's healthcare system, many patients delay seeking formal medical attention, often citing their reliance on herbal remedies as the reason. “When patients eventually come to us, they often present with stage three or stage four cancer,” he states, underscoring the severity of the consequences that come from choosing alternative paths over seeking appropriate medical intervention in a timely manner.