African Traditional Medicine Day continues advocacy

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

The resolution addressed training and support for those affected by sickle cell anaemia.

The WHO regional director issued a message for the fourth annual observance on 31 August 2006.

The observance framed traditional practitioners as part of discussion on access to care across the continent.

The annual message brought public attention to medical practices used by African communities.

A government decree enabled import or production of lower-cost versions of the HIV medicine.

The efavirenz decision aimed to protect affordable access within Brazil’s treatment programme.

Compulsory licensing allowed use of a patented medicine under conditions set by law.

The measure concerned efavirenz specifically and did not remove patent protection for every medicine.

The fifty-seventh WHO Regional Committee for Africa concluded on this date, reporting a declaration on traditional medicine.