The clash between the Western (or scientific) and traditional approaches to medicine has existed for many years. The conceptual differences between the two schools of thought have led to distrust among scholars in representing them. Each of the approaches can be effective in some medical cases and neither can offer complete solutions in others. However, the Western approach has proven to be much more effective in treating serious and life-threatening conditions that require complex diagnosis, surgery and medications. South Africa, where the HIV/AIDS epidemic claims countless victims every day, could benefit greatly from the availability of medical breakthroughs provided by Western doctors. At the same time, for political, cultural and economic reasons, the traditional healing method is still the dominant method in this country. By having the trust of the local population and being an integral part of the local culture, traditional healers can play a key role in building trust between the local population and Western doctors. Western, or scientific, medicine primarily uses drugs and surgeries to treat patients. Its treatments are based on diagnoses provided by qualified doctors and nurses. In general, the approach is to address the symptoms of various diseases and conditions. Western medicine relies heavily on science and scientific research, particularly in the fields of chemistry and biology. Traditional medicine is practiced mainly in Asia, South America and Africa. Unlike Western medicine, it is based on the powers of natural resources, spirituality and physical contact. Typically, traditional healers do not attend formal medical schools; they are trained by other healers within their communities. They use herbs, animals, minerals and... middle of paper... Culture and controversy. ME Sharpe, Inc. Print. Bolognesi, Natasha. AIDS in Africa: a question of trust. Nature 443.7112 (12 October 2006): 626-627. Print.Himmel, Martin. "Sangoma." Witness. Al Jazeera. Doha, Qatar. 14 June 2009. Web. 21 Nov 2013.Liverpool, Joan, a el. “Western Medicine and Traditional Healers: Partners in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS.” Journal of the National Medical Association 96.6 (June 2004): 823. Print. November 21, 2013.McVeigh, Karen. "Steve Jobs Regrets Delaying Cancer Surgery, Biographer Tells CBS." The Guardian. October 21, 2011. Web. November 24, 2013. Steinberg, Jonny. The Sizwe test. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008. Print.Swaine, Jon. "Steve Jobs 'regretted trying to beat cancer with alternative medicine for so long'". The telegraph. October 21, 2011. Web. November 24, 2013. "The World Factbook." CIA. Central Intelligence Agency, 2014. Web. 24 November 2013.