Tools for institutionalizing Traditional Medicine in Medicine Health Systems in WHO African Region

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this document is to support Member States wishing to institutionalize traditional medicine in their national health systems. Specifically, the guidelines for a national policy on traditional medicine will assist Member States to formulate and implement their national traditional medicine strategies and plans and to monitor key components of such policy within the context of an overall national health policy. Its goals should therefore be consistent with broader health system objectives, and its implementation should support those objectives. The model legal framework is to assist Member States to enact laws to govern the practice of traditional medicine. It provides for the establishment of Traditional Health Practitioners Councils; regulatory frameworks to ensure the efficacy, safety and quality of traditional health care services provided by traditional health practitioners (THPs); and control over the registration, training and practice of THPs. Its goals should be consistent with broader national health legislation objectives, and its implementation should support those objectives.