Durban
29 August 2007
The 21st century has begun with a global health crisis of emerging and
re-emerging diseases spiralling out of control, which coupled with escalating
violence and poverty, threatens to cripple entire communities and
countries.
To tackle this crisis, it is currently essential that the health care
community work to access and harness as many resources and partners as
possible. One of the resources often overlooked and underestimated, is the role
of African traditional medicine, and the potential contributions they can make
at many levels of health care delivery.
The African Traditional Medicine Conference, organised by the KwaZulu-Natal
Department of Health, was officially opened by the Chairperson of the Health
Portfolio Committee, Zanele Ludidi (MP) on behalf of the MEC for Health, who
said: "In an era of emergent and re-emergent diseases synergies between working
remedies must always be harnessed and championed by all, and governments in
particular."
She further challenged the media to play a role in addressing the negativity
with which the media is reporting on African Traditional Medicine. She said:
"Let me now challenge the media that is here today. We have been inundated with
reports of progress being made in deracialising the editorial rooms. I always
wonder to what extent this has helped to address the negativity with which our
traditional practices are being reported in the media. What this has done is to
relegate this important element of health care to secretive practice that is
practiced by poor and illiterate people."
The conference is scheduled for two days and is expected to come out with
resolutions on how best research and development could be harnessed for mutual
benefit between the African Traditional Medicine and the 'Western Medicine.'
Other speakers are expected to address the conference between today and
tomorrow.
For more information and pictures contact:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 082 466 9874
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
29 August 2007
