More than 18 traditional medicines have now been approved and recognized for use in Burkina Faso, where over 80% of the population uses these practices, according to the Ministry of Health.
“To date, more than 18 traditional medicines have been approved and recognised for use,” stated Mariam Bagagnan, Burkina Faso’s Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, in a press release from the health ministry.
This announcement coincides with the 14th National Week of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, which opened Sunday in Manga, in the Nazinon region, and is being held in conjunction with the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day.
For the Burkinabe authorities, the approval of these products represents a significant step in structuring a sector widely used by the population.
The government intends to strengthen the mechanisms for authorising practice, approving traditional medicines, and evaluating their efficacy and safety.
“More than 80% of the population uses traditional medicine,” Mariam Bagagnan emphasised, highlighting the importance of better regulating these practices and products derived from them.
Presiding over the opening ceremony, the governor of the Nazinon region, Massadolo Yvette Nacoulma/Sanou, called for greater appreciation of local knowledge and resources, while stressing theneed to integrate them with scientific research and health regulations.
“Health sovereignty does not mean isolationism or a rejection of science,” she declared, advocating for a complementary approach between traditional knowledge, scientific research, regulations, and
patient protection. This year’s National Week, themed around the integration of improved traditional medicines into national disease management guidelines, continues until September 5.
The program includes exhibitions, consultations, training sessions, prevention activities, and the planting of medicinal plants.
Exchanges are also planned between traditional medicine practitioners and healthcare professionals to foster better collaboration between the two approaches.
The authorities’ initiative aims to strengthen patient safety while promoting a therapeutic heritage deeply rooted in healthcare practices in Burkina Faso.
HO/te/Sf/fss/as/APA