Abstract
Recent studies on traditional medicine (TM) have begun to change perspectives on TM effects and its role in the health of various populations. The safety and effectiveness of some TMs have been studied, paving the way to better collaboration between modern and traditional systems. Traditional medicines still remain a largely untapped health resource: they are not only sources of new leads for drug discoveries, but can also provide lessons and novel approaches that may have direct public-health and economic impact. To optimize such impact, several interventions have been suggested, including recognition of TM's economic and medical worth at academic and health policy levels; establishing working relationships with those prescribing TM; providing evidence for safety and effectiveness of local TM through appropriate studies with malaria patients; spreading results for clinical recommendations and health policy development; implementing and evaluating results of new health policies that officially integrate TM.
Highlights
Recent studies on traditional medicine (TM) have begun to change perspectives on TM effects and its role in the health of various populations
In rural areas in Africa and elsewhere in developing countries, traditional medicines are often trusted, affordable and accessible, as they are made from locally available plants or other elements [1]
A large proportion of the population continues to rely on traditional medicine practitioners and local medicinal plants for primary health care, as a choice or when there is no access to other medicine [1,2,3]
Summary
The WHO Regional Committee for Africa strategy for promoting TM includes the development of local production and conservation of medicinal plants, legislation of TM practice and its integration into conventional health services. Despite extensive investments in malaria control, research and elimination programmes, the disease has. – Reinforce disease surveillance system and/or prepare ad hoc studies – Choose TM to be involved (already clinically validated) and design messages to be spread – Check quality and local availability of validated TM. – Reinforce preventive measures and train for appropriate referral (intervention and control areas). Implementing rational use of traditional medicine against malaria through community-based participatory approaches is feasible and may well help curb the toll of the disease in endemic areas. There is an urgent need for major research investments in TM clinical and public health to further develop appropriate solutions for mass application
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