Traditional Medicine Research & Policy
ICASA Satellite Session
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 day long satellite session was held at the 13th ICASA in Nairobi to explore two issues: Scientific Evidence for the Efficacy of Selected Traditional Therapies and Experiences of Using Herbal and Traditional Therapies in Communities.
Scientific Evidence for the Efficacy of Selected Traditional Therapies
Four scientific studies of selected traditional medicines that have proved effective on persons infected with HIV were presented during this session:-
- Tai Bao, Kenya
- Four-plant Mixture, South Africa
- Two-plant therapy, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Metrafaids, Senegal
Experiences of Using Herbal and Traditional Therapies in Communities This session aimed to provide the view from the ground, and understanding the benefits and challenges of using traditional medicines in three different community settings in Thailand, Tanzania and Kenya.