Burkina Faso Approves 18 Traditional Medicines

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso —Burkina Faso has approved and recognised more than 18 traditional medicines for use in the country as authorities move to strengthen regulation of a sector relied on by more than 80 percent of the population.

Mariam Bagagnan, Director of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the approvals were part of efforts to improve the regulation and safety of traditional healthcare products.

“To date, more than 18 traditional medicines have been approved and recognised for use,” Bagagnan said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Health.

The announcement was made during the 14th National Week of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, which opened in Manga in the Nazinon region and coincided with the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day.

Authorities said the approval of the medicines marked an important step towards organising a sector that remains widely used across Burkina Faso.

The government plans to strengthen procedures for authorising traditional medicine practitioners, approving traditional medicines and assessing their efficacy and safety.

“More than 80% of the population uses traditional medicine,” Bagagnan said, underscoring the need for stronger oversight of traditional practices and products.

Massadolo Yvette Nacoulma/Sanou, governor of the Nazinon region, who presided over the opening ceremony, called for greater recognition of indigenous knowledge and locally available resources.

She also stressed the importance of linking traditional medicine with scientific research and national health regulations.

“Health sovereignty does not mean isolationism or a rejection of science,” she said, calling for closer integration of traditional knowledge, scientific research, regulation and patient protection.

This year’s National Week was  held under the theme of integrating improved traditional medicines into national disease management guidelines.

The programme included exhibitions, medical consultations, training sessions, disease prevention activities and the planting of medicinal plants.