Maseru, Aug. 31 — The Director of Traditional Doctors Lesotho, Mr. Malefetsane Liau says the country faces challenges in preserving and protecting traditional medicines and indigenous medicinal plants within its borders.
Mr. Liau said this while commemorating the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day, which aims to raise awareness and emphasise the importance of traditional medicine in promoting health and wellbeing.
This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ‘Reflection on Research and Development Efforts of Traditional Medicine Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in the African Region’.
In an interview with the Agency, Mr. Liau said traditional medicines continue to play an important role in the treatment and management of various diseases, including diabetes, cancer and heart diseases, which remain prevalent both in Lesotho and globally.
He said Lesotho needs to invest more in traditional medicine, particularly in research and the utilisation of indigenous medicinal plants, in order to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage and treat emerging diseases.
Mr. Liau further noted that climate change poses a potential threat to the availability and survival of medicinal plants, stressing the importance of protecting the country’s indigenous flora.
He said Lesotho should take pride in its indigenous plants, noting that they not only have medicinal value but also form part of the country’s natural heritage and can contribute to its development.
He also challenged institutions of higher learning, particularly those offering programmes in the medical and health sciences, to incorporate traditional medicine into research and academic studies.
Mr. Liau concluded by highlighting People’s Republic of China as one of the countries that has successfully integrated traditional medicine into its health system, saying Lesotho could learn from such examples by investing in the sector and establishing a dedicated facility for traditional medicine research and development.
Meanwhile, reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that more than 80 percent of people in Africa rely on traditional remedies for their primary healthcare and wellbeing.
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