Publication reviews ancient Asian and African variolation

A WHO and PAHO workshop scheduled for 25–28 July opened in Rio de Janeiro.

The Rio programme included Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants alongside health authorities and practitioners.

The workshop planned discussions of biodiversity and medicinal plants in community health.

The opening day began four days of dialogue on how biodiversity sustains health knowledge and practices.

The feature describes contributions from many communities to treatments and health practices.

WHO describes how Tu Youyou’s team used Chinese medical literature while developing artemisinin.

WHO cites traditions from Mesopotamia, India, China, Madagascar and Mexico while stressing evaluation of effectiveness.

Delegates met in Gandhinagar to discuss evidence, access and the future of traditional medicine.

The Indian government and WHO convened practitioners, researchers and policymakers.

WHO’s director-general referred to his experience of traditional practitioners in Ethiopia.