Brazzaville speakers raise benefit-sharing

The 2005 call recognized that many people visit traditional practitioners as well as clinics.

WHO’s call concerned prevention and the role of practitioners, not evidence that a traditional remedy cures HIV.

More than 60 experts began a four-day meeting on protection of African traditional medical knowledge.

Traditional practitioners joined lawyers and researchers at the Brazzaville workshop on ownership and recognition of medical knowledge.

The meeting examined a draft framework on intellectual property rights and African traditional medical knowledge.

WHO reports that the four-day workshop ended Friday with guidelines for protection and promotion of African Indigenous medical knowledge.

Participants recommended model legislation that countries could adapt to protect locally held medical knowledge.

The consensus document considered legal recognition and the protection of African medicinal biodiversity.

WHO regional director Luis Sambo stressed community interests when discussing access, ownership and benefit-sharing.

The assembly called for stronger national responses to sickle cell anaemia, especially where its burden is high.