A Blog by Nick Otengo
Attending the African Traditional Medicine Day on August 31st was nothing short of inspiring. The day wasn’t just about celebrating traditional healing practices; it was a reminder of the deep roots that our cultural health systems have and how vital it is to preserve them. The theme of the day focused on supporting the provision of quality and safe traditional medicine through appropriate regulatory mechanisms, and it couldn’t have been more relevant. For me, it was an eye-opening experience in many ways.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the day was witnessing the shared commitment from stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and organizations like TICAH, all working towards a common goal. The energy and passion in the amphitheater were palpable. Everyone was there not just to exchange knowledge, but to genuinely collaborate on how best to safeguard and promote traditional medicine. Listening to experts discuss the pathways for registering traditional health practitioners made me aware of the work ahead. It’s not just about preserving these traditions but ensuring they are nurtured in a way that allows them to thrive safely while benefiting the wider healthcare system and community.
The day also reminded me how impactful traditional medicine can be, especially during the session that focused on the findings of the Cancer Palliative Care Research Project launched by the National Museum of Kenya. The National Museums of Kenya collaborated with several key partners for the cancer palliative care garden project. The primary funding came from the National Research Fund. Additionally, the project involved collaboration with Kenyan Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA), which works to increase access to palliative care in Kenya through a multisectoral approach. It was eye opening to see how traditional healing practices have played a vital role in the care of cancer patients, offering holistic support beyond conventional treatments. This project's success reinforced the immense potential of integrating traditional healing methods with modern healthcare approaches. A particularly powerful moment was the launch of the palliative care garden, which stood as a beautiful and symbolic representation of how these two worlds traditional and modern can coexist and complement one another. The garden itself felt like a living testament to this integration, a space where both healing practices can thrive together for the benefit of those in need of care.
The executive director of TICAH addressing the graduates at the African Traditional Medicine Day celebrations held at the National Museum of Kenya.I gained a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance needed in regulating traditional medicine. While it’s important to ensure safety and protect this knowledge, it’s just as crucial to create an environment where traditional health practitioners can thrive without excessive regulatory constraints. The focus shouldn’t be on over-regulation, which could stifle the practice, but rather on promoting ethical self-regulation within the field. We need to protect both the public and the practitioners by encouraging safe practices that don’t limit the cultural heritage and potential of traditional medicine.
TICAH plays a critical role here not by aligning with rigid government policies, but by advocating for a more liberated approach that allows traditional practitioners to self-regulate within ethical boundaries. This balance ensures that traditional medicine can continue to flourish while remaining safe and accessible. It's about fostering an environment where regulation empowers rather than restricts, ensuring the sustainability and growth of indigenous practices without compromising public safety.
Looking ahead, I’d love to see more platforms that not only celebrate traditional medicine but also elevate it, ensuring its rightful place in our healthcare systems. There’s already plenty of criticism out there, so the focus should be on honoring and preserving these practices. More attention to research and documentation would help create a stronger foundation for integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare. The rich knowledge passed down through generations has the potential to be an asset to our overall health and well-being if nurtured and celebrated correctly.
Overall, the African Traditional Medicine Day was both an educational and emotional experience for me. It reinforced my belief in the importance of balancing tradition with safety and regulation. As we move forward, I hope to see the continued growth of this space, with more discussions, research, and projects that keep traditional medicine alive, safe, and accessible for future generations.