African workshop calls for adaptable national legislation

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.

Participants discussed who should receive benefits from uses of African traditional knowledge and medicinal biodiversity.

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

The resolution urged countries to improve prevention, diagnosis, care and public awareness.

The assembly recognized that people living with sickle cell disease need sustained, accessible care.