The Gambia launches Traditional Medicines Day at Kanifing

The launch began a programme whose success required several doses and follow-up.

WHO published a regional director’s message for the annual observance held on 31 August.

The 2011 observance connected protection of medicinal plants to African traditional medicine.

The WHO message relates traditional health practices to conservation and use of natural resources.

The 2011 observance looked back at an African traditional medicine action plan and continued policy questions.

The traditional healers’ association helped coordinate the Kanifing celebration with the health ministry.

Fatim Badjie’s message at the national observance reiterated government support for traditional medicines.

The 2011 launch joined government and a national traditional healers’ association in one event.

The National Library of Medicine opened an exhibition on Indigenous perspectives on health and illness.

The exhibition included American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian accounts of health.