WHO calls for recognition of African traditional care

Member states unanimously adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Governments sought common responses to advertising, exposure and other drivers of tobacco use.

The convention marked a global public health agreement; it would enter into force later.

The treaty addressed the policies that shape smoking and second-hand smoke exposure.

The first African Traditional Medicine Day was observed on this date to draw attention to traditional practitioners in health systems.

The newly instituted annual day offered a forum for discussion of African medical knowledge and health access.

The 2003 observance encouraged policy discussions on how traditional and conventional care could relate.

Publication date: regional director Ebrahim Samba called on Western-trained health workers to respect African traditional medicine.

Publication date: WHO Africa asked conventionally trained clinicians to engage with traditional practitioners.

The 2004 WHO message addressed tensions between institutional medicine and inherited health practices.