Regulation of Traditional Medicine in the WHO African Region

ABSTRACT

In many developing countries traditional medicine is still the main source of health care for about 80of the population; because of its cultural acceptability; affordability and accessibility. In the last few years; there has also been an upsurge of interest in the use of traditional medicine in developed countries; where it is usually referred to as complementary and alternative medicine. Owing to countries' efforts to institutionalize traditional medicine in health systems and calls made by the WHO Regional Office for Africa over the last two decades; more than half of the countries in the African Region have developed national policies on traditional medicine and regulation is one of the components of such policies. Eighteen countries have developednational codes of ethics to ensure the safety; efficacy and quality of traditional medicines. However; less than half of the countries are yet to implement these policies and therefore; only a few countries have developed regulations for traditional medicine. Twenty-one countries have developed legal frameworks that provide for accreditation; registration of traditional health practitioners (THPs) and the establishment of a THP Council for regulation of traditional medicine practice and products. Non-regulation of traditional and herbal medicines poses a health risk to the populations. This paper discusses the regulation of traditional medicine practices and products; and highlights the challenges posed by attempts to regulate the sector. It also outlines quality; safety and efficacy assessment; product registration; marketing; distribution and post-marketing surveillance