TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Traditional Medicine (TM) is widely used in developing countries (by 80% of the population in Africa) to meet their primary health care needs. The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is also increasing rapidly in developed countries. Many factors contribute to the widespread use of TM/CAM, some of which are: accessibility, affordability, faith in the system, desire to have alternative system of medicine with a safer natural base, and growing economic importance. On the other hand, there is increasing demand for evidence of safety, efficacy and quality of TM/CAM products and practices. Unfortunately, evidences, which support the claims of TM/CAM, are limited. In addition to efficacy and safety issues, the growing herbal market and its great commercial benefit has posed a threat to biodiversity. Moreover, there is a need for protecting and preserving the indigenous and traditional knowledge of TM/CAM. The above shortcomings and concerns have given rise to issues related to policy; safety, efficacy and quality; access and rational use. In order to address these issues and maximize the potential of TM/CAM as a source of health care, WHO has developed a four-year strategy (2002-2005) and released it during its Fifty-fifth World Health Assembly (May 2002). The strategy provides a framework for action for WHO and its partners. The specific objectives of the strategy are to support member countries to: 1.Integrate TM/CAM with national health care systems, as appropriate, by developing and implementing national TM/CAM policies and programs; 2.Promote the safety, efficacy and quality of TM/CAM by expanding the knowledge base on TM/CAM, and by providing guidance on regulatory and quality assurance standards; 3.Increase the availability and affordability of TM/CAM, as appropriate, with an emphasis on access for poor populations; 4.Promote therapeutically sound use of appropriate TM/CAM by providers and consumers. The strategy is a working document and is meant for adoption and implementation at regional and country level. Therefore, member states are urged to adopt and implement, where appropriate, the strategy as a basis for national traditional medicine program or work plans.