Message of WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti
In recognition of the enduring significance of African Traditional Medicine and its integral role in enhancing health and well-being across the African continent, every year for the past two decades, the 31st of August marks the celebration of African Traditional Medicine Day in the WHO African Region.
Throughout these years, Member States have witnessed the flourishing of African Traditional Medicine Day as a dynamic platform for dialogue, exchange, and knowledge sharing. It has united stakeholders – from traditional medicine practitioners to policy makers, from researchers to international partners – in a common pursuit of best practices, groundbreaking evidence, and innovative solutions that showcase the immense potential of traditional medicine in nurturing holistic health and well-being for all.
This year's theme, "The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All," echoes the resonance of the inaugural WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, on 17-18 August 2023. The global summit catalyzed political commitment and evidence-based action on traditional medicine, a first port of call for millions worldwide to address their health needs.
As we carry forward the momentum from this historic event, we recognize the shared theme of "Holistic Health and Well-being for All” which amplifies our commitment to the interconnectedness of health and well-being that transcends geographical boundaries.
African Traditional Medicine, deeply intertwined with indigenous herbalism and rooted in the tapestry of African spirituality and culture, stands as a beacon of accessibility, affordability, and trust for millions across our continent. With approximately 80% of our population seeking solace in traditional medicine for fundamental health needs, it embodies our identity, resilience, and heritage.
We applaud the strides taken by Member States in nurturing the integration of traditional medicine within national health systems. From the development of evidence-based policies to regulatory frameworks that ensure quality and safety, from the cultivation of medicinal plants to collaborative training initiatives, our progress is tangible and commendable.
Twenty-five countries in the WHO Africa Region have now integrated traditional medicine into their health sciences curricula. At the same time, 20 have established training programs for traditional health practitioners and health sciences students to strengthen human resources in both traditional medicine and primary health care. Thirty-nine countries have developed legal frameworks for traditional health practitioners.
While we celebrate these achievements, we remain mindful of the path ahead. The potential of traditional medicine, in terms of research, local manufacturing, and commercialization, remains untapped.
On this occasion, I call upon Member States to scale up their efforts and further implement evidence-based Traditional Medicine (TM) approaches to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals and promote health and well-being for all at all ages.
I urge our Member States to:
- Apply local knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to unlock the contribution of TM to advancing planetary health and people’s well-being across the life course through regional and culturally appropriate nutrition and lifestyles within sustainable environments.
- Establish a high-level consultative mechanism with Indigenous Knowledge holders to guarantee their full participation and consultation in adopting and implementing relevant policies and actions associated with biodiversity management and Traditional Knowledge.
- Facilitate effective integration of traditional medicine into national health systems, contributing to achieving universal health coverage and all health-related sustainable development goals.
- Where appropriate, Member States should redefine laws, policies, and health services to enable holistic and relevant decisions, seamless choices with a transformative focus on prevention, maintenance, and primary healthcare.
- Develop curriculum standards for continued training and education of traditional health practitioners to facilitate their integration into primary healthcare services.
- Accelerate the research, production, regulation, and formal utilization of evidence-based traditional and indigenous products in national health systems.
- Develop monitoring systems and indicators for traditional medicine within national health information systems, enabling the measurement and redirection of traditional medicine practices within countries.
As we celebrate the African Traditional Medicine Day in unity and purpose, let us renew our dedication to harnessing the healing wisdom of our traditions for the well-being of our people and our continent. Through collective endeavor guided by knowledge, empathy, and innovation, we pledge to craft a healthier, more holistic future where the tapestry of our traditions is interwoven with the progress of modernity for the greater good of all.