Perceptions and Views of the Elderly on Dirt as Vaccine for Children in Rural Areas During Pandemics: Insights From Dara Community, Gutu District

Abstract

Dirt cultural rituals have been associated with innumerable positive health outcomes for children including the justification for acts of  rubbing or placing clay soil on the tongue and prescription of urine when the child is about to grow his/her first teeth. Understanding the mystery and potential medicinal effects of soil-based microbes on children’s immunity is a central health question. It is on this basis that  the present research examined the intricate symbiotic relationship that reigns between dirt and immune tolerance. Anchored on a phenomenological case study design, this study interviewed seven participants who were purposively sampled. Thematic analysis was  used to analyse the data. The study revealed that: 1). Taking small doses of bacteria or poison either intentionally or unintentionally  usually makes one resistant to various disease outbreaks. 2). Children living in urban areas are more susceptible to outbreaks. 3). Local  soils contain some medicinal nutrients which minimise the chances of children contracting various types of diseases. The researchers  recommended that children should be allowed to freely interact with other children who are not necessarily part of their households and  be allowed to play with soil and other various natural components. Children should also be aroused early and allowed to play in the  sunshine to develop strong bones and a strong immune system. In addition, parents should follow indigenous and cultural ways of  raising their children such as giving them traditional medicines, but more importantly, ensuring that children are vaccinated in health  institutions to protect them from various diseases. Traditional medicines are never a substitute for vaccinations, but the two should   complement each other.