Conference on the inclusion of traditional medicines in the National Health System

Kopanong Conference Centre, Benoni, 7 June 2006

International health experts from eight countries and representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and African Union (AU) will attend the South African conference on the inclusion of traditional medicines in the national health system.

The list of delegates include policymakers, researchers, medical practitioners, traditional health practitioners, and government officials from India, China, Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and scientists from the pharmaceutical industry, Medical Research Council (MRC) and Medicine Control Council (MCC).

The purpose of the conference to be held at Kopanong Conference Centre in Benoni this Friday, is to exchange knowledge about best practices with a view to increase capacity and ensure successful implementation of the inclusion of traditional medicine in the national health system.

The discussions will be on the following:

• legal framework and regulation of traditional medicine
• practice of traditional medicine
• research and development of traditional medicine
• training of traditional medicine practitioners
• conservation and local production of traditional medicinal plants
• identify mechanisms for protection of traditional medicine knowledge
• explore relationships between government and traditional health practitioners

The Department of Health has demonstrated tremendous commitment in dealing with traditional medicine by developing the National Drug Policy, which recognises the potential role and benefits of available remedies of African traditional medicines.

The media is invited for the Minister's keynote address at:
Time: 10am
Date: Friday, 09 June 2006
Venue: Kopanong Conference Centre, Boksburg

Enquiries: Charity Bhengu 083 679 7424