31 August 2011
The Ninth African Traditional Medicine Day was commemorated on the 31st of August 2011 under the theme "Conservation of medicinal plants: Africa's Heritage". More than two thirds of the world's plant species are estimated to have medicinal value. Between 25-50% of modern medicines are derived from plants. Some notable examples are Artemisinin and Quinine, both of which are medicines for malaria. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 80% of the population in developing countries depend on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs.