Are parallel health systems the answer?

Zimbabwe on August 31 joins the rest of the world in commemorating the African Traditional Medicines Day, amid calls for the establishment of two parallel health systems (traditional and scientific) that allow citizens to make a free choice of their medicine.

The president of Prometra International, Dr Erick Gbodossou, in an interview with this publication said lack of political will in many countries to recognize the use and importance of traditional medicine is prejudicing the people. T

his, he said, is despite the fact that WHO estimates that 80% of the population in South Sahara subscribe to traditional medicines.

“In other countries where the laws are promulgated, we are still waiting for decrees to apply for medicine that has proven itself through the ages.

African Traditional Medicines Day, is an annual feature on the World Health Organisation (WHO) calendar, and it seeks to conscientize people on the importance of traditional medicine.

This year it runs under the theme: “Two Decades of African Traditional Medicine Day Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Africa.”

Beaven Munyengeterwa, the executive chairman of Prometra Zimbabwe which is organizing the national celebrations told ZimNow that activities to mark the day will be held in Harare’s central business district where Vice President and Minister of Health and Child care, Dr Constantine Chiwenga, has been invited as the guest of honour.

His organization is one of 27 others under Prometra International, a body that crusades for the promotion of traditional medicine through education, research and advocacy.

“Everywhere, there is a renewed interest in ancient medicines, natural medicines, African medicines. This is why Western researchers are in our forests, in our villages, at the feet of our healers to be at their school.

“This medicine, through encounters, attitudes and practices, has proven itself through the ages and has achieved feats never equaled to this day,” he said.

In Zimbabwe, the Government, through the Ministry of Health, has established the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) which benefits from an annual grant from treasury to promote traditional medicine and practice.