African health systems debate traditional medicine

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.

On the first observance, the WHO regional office urged governments to formally recognize traditional medicine.

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

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.

Publication date: the regional message recognized traditional practitioners’ role in communities while calling for collaboration.

The updated International Health Regulations set rules for responding to cross-border public health risks.