Each year, since 2003, the African Region commemorates on 31 August the African Traditional Medicine Day. The theme for this year’s 10th edition is African Traditional Medicine Day: What Impact?
The significance of African Traditional Medicine Day is to raise awareness of the critical role that traditional medicine plays in improving people’s health. In recognition of its role in health development in Africa, Heads of State and Government at their Summit in Maputo (Mozambique) in 2003 endorsed the institution of the African Traditional Medicine Day for Advocacy since about 80% of the African populations use it for their health care needs.
The institution of African Traditional Medicine Day, coupled with continuous support of WHO, has impacted positively on practitioners, practices and products, hence contributing to improving access to medicines in the African Region.