Herbal Medicine & Healing Traditions
ICASA Round Table
With the growing use of traditional medicines all over the world, traditional healers are increasingly seeking recognition and support for their work. At the same time, many allopathic medicine professionals, even in countries with a strong history of traditional medicine, express reservations and disbelief about the benefits of traditional healing. In this context of growing demands for evidence of traditional medicine, a one-day satellite session was held at the 13th ICASA in Nairobi, Kenya.
Round Table Session (25th September 2003)
In the context of growing demands for evidence of traditional medicine, a daylong satellite session was held at ICASA. Chaired by Professor Violet Kimani, of the Department of Community Health of the University of Nairobi, and facilitated and organized by Dr. Mary Ann Burris, Director of TICAH, five panelists shared their views on and discussed the evidence, safety and efficacy of traditional healing methods in two sessions.
Our panelists were:
- Dr. Sekagya Yahaya, President, PROMETRA, Uganda
- Dr. Tony Johnston, Director, Population Communication Africa, Kenya
- Dr. Erick Gboddosou, President, PROMETRA International,Senegal
- Dr. Lucy Nyka, Director, Faraja Trust Fund, Tanzania
- Prof. Onesmo ole Moi Yoi, Director, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya
Panelists were asked to discuss the question, "What do we mean by 'evidence' and what do we mean by 'efficacy' when we talk about research on traditional medicines?" Panelists shared their experiences working with researchers to establish the quality and efficacy of herbal treatments; discussed the need to establish toxicity of plant used in medicines, and described their experiences with patents and intellectual property protection. Treatment providers talked about the strengths they see using traditional approaches and therapies with their patients, and called on the scientific community to take a greater interest in herbal medicines and traditional therapies. During lively exchange with audience members, other issues were raised, including the need to work with environmentalists to protect plant sources, the need to collaborate with biomedical and pharmaceutical leaders in the AIDS field, and improving communication between HIV+ people and the designers and funders of treatment programs.
The roundtable ended with a wide range of answers to Dr. Burris' last question: "What is appropriate AIDS care for Africa?" and with recommendations for future work.