Gulu University lecturer, Dr Veronica Lwamwaka has asked the Government to support herbalists to develop herbs that match foreign medicine on the international market.
Lwamwaka made the remarks during the 22nd edition East Africa Community (EAC) Trade Fair on December 16 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
The fair attracted businesspeople from EAC member states: Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Kenya, South Sudan, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lwamwaka said traditional medicine existed in Africa long before conventional medicine, but it has remained an untapped reservoir of knowledge, philosophy, and history.
“Traditional medicine can cure people and it provides a national heritage and a linked land to people,” she said.
In Sub- Saharan Africa today, the majority of the population uses traditional medicine and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 80% of the developing countries rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care.
Lwamwaka said in recognition of this, WHO launched the first-ever comprehensive traditional medicine strategy in 2002.
She called on government reinforcement of stewardship, governance, research and development for local production. Â
Lwamwaka added that Gulu University research has proven that several diseases can positively react fast to herbal medicine treatment.
State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu said herbalists in Uganda are instrumental in treating people, therefore, they should be supported
She called upon the Government to support herbalists to ensure that they meet international standards. She alluded that there is a need to change people’s mindset towards herbal medicine.
Source: newvision.co.ug
