Freetown, Aug. 1, 07 (MOHS)- President Kabbah has said that “Traditional Medicine is not a practice of the past but a hope for our future”.

Center President Kabbah Making his Launching address Extreme Left Mrs. Abator Thomas Health Minister, From right: Dr. Wambai of WHO and Dr. Prince Roberts Chairman for the Occasion

Making his launching address at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown, said traditional medicine has been part of the country’s culture and served very well before the introduction of modern medicine from the West.

President Kabbah at the Sierra Leone Traditional Healers Association (SLENTHA) Exhibition after his Launching address Flanked by Mrs. Abator Thomas and Dr. Deen

The present formulation and adoption of a national policy on traditional medicine, the President said, is a way of ensuring that Sierra Leoneans continue to preserve and protect what he referred to as an ancient practice that the children of the country and generations yet unborn could benefit from.

A Traditional Healer

President Kabbah reminded his audience about the destruction of life, property and health facilities during the 11 years civil war, pointing out that it was traditional medicine that saved the lives of many during that period.

From Left: Alhaji Babara Turay Focal Piont, Mrs. Abator Thomas Health Minister and Minister's Confidential Secretary Miss Davies

“Traditional medicine is however more dependent on nature than orthodox medicine since the medicines used are produced directly from materials obtained from the immediate natural environment”. “The preservation of the environment is therefore critical to its development and sustenance”, the President opined.

A Boy Healed From Paralysis

 He reiterated the need for government to support the development of traditional medicine, adding that the 1978 World Health Organization Alma-Ata Conference Declaration gave recognition to the role of traditional medicine and its practitioners with the recommendation that governments member states should use all health personnel, including Traditional Health Practitioners for the attainment of Health for All.

The WHO Regional Committee for Africa, by its resolution AFR / RC34 /R8 OF 1984, President Kabbah further explained urged Member States to prepare specific legislation to govern the practice of traditional medicine as part of National Legislations. The implementation of this policy, he said would help enhance the development and appropriate use of traditional medicine in the health care system.

Cross Section of Traditional Healers

President Kabbah observed that Sierra Leone would be joining a number of other countries in Africa which have developed and adopted a National Policy on Traditional Medicine, adding that the aim of his government had always been to provide Health for All.

Making her remarks, the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Mrs. Abator Thomas told her audience that the Ministry is poised to put into practice all the provisions imbedded in the policy, noting that traditional medicine is part of our cultural heritage and should be promoted to contribute to the universal goal of affordable, accessible, appropriate, effective and efficient health care services for all.

Part of the Audience From Left: Dr. K.M Kpakiwa Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health ,Dr. S>S Banya of State Lodge and Mr. Bassie Turay Director of Drugs and Medical Supplies.

This policy, Mrs. Thomas said would guide the Ministry as they venture into the adoption and development of the ancient practice of traditional medicine. The document, she further explained outlines the policies and key strategies that would ensure the development and appropriate utilization and regulation of traditional medicines in Sierra Leone. This she said includes the preservation and protection of what she referred to as the flora and fauna with the potential for use as medicines.

“The policy stipulates the development and enforcement of a Traditional Medicine Act and Code of Ethics and Standards of the practice.” “It also offers all stakeholders, including public, private, international and non-governmental organizations the opportunity to collaborate with the government of Sierra Leone to advance traditional medicine practice in the country for the benefit of all.

 

Mrs. Abator Thomas Minister of Health and Sanitation

Mrs. Thomas expressed gratitude and appreciation to all those who in diverse ways contributed to the compilation of the document and the Bill and Code of Ethics and Standards for Traditional Health Practitioners. Special gratitude was extended to the World Health Organisation for the technical and financial support as well as the members of the traditional healers association for their moral and technical support for the development and production of the Document.

Dr. Taylor Lewis of SLENTHA giving the Vote of Thanks.

Other speakers include the Focal Point of Traditional Medicine in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Alhaji Babara Turay, the Chairman Board of Traditional Medicine Alhaji Dr. Fadhlu-Deen, Dr. Wambai of WHO who deputized the Country Representative,   the Director of Primary Health Care and Chairman for the occasion, Dr. Prince Roberts and Dr. Taylor-Lewis who delivered the vote of thanks.

An exhibition of traditional medicines formed part of the ceremony.