Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Gambia: January 17 Is National Natural Medicines Day


Photo taken from The Point

President Yahya Jammeh has declared 17 January as National Natural Medicines Day in The Gambia.
 
On the eve of The Gambia’s 49th independence anniversary of February 18, Jammeh, who is also an herbal doctor, said “this Day will be set aside to appreciate, celebrate and also embrace Gambia’s indigenous ways of medical treatment.” 

The Gambian leader said the Day will be celebrated “for the glories of our rich past”.
However, he noted that it should be a moment for further reflection, though and research for the improvement of indigenous knowledge of natural remedies for their adaptation in a dynamic and increasingly materialistic commercial world. 

  
He said his government will continue to support research on our cultural heritage and also encourage Gambians to make good use of our natural resources for the benefit of every one.
“In this vein, I am pleased to inform you that henceforth, January 17 will be celebrated as National Natural Medicines Day,” Mr Jammeh announced.

On January 17, 2014, Jammeh observed the 7th anniversary of his “Breakthrough” which celebrates his cost-free herbal medical treatment of various diseases including HIV and AIDS.

He has since unveiled new treatment for diseases like breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, pile and sickle cell.   

In 2011, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said it recognised the complementary role traditional medicine plays in the delivery of health care services  in The Gambia. It said a substantial proportion of people in The Gambia use traditional medicine.

Locals in the West African country have very strong believes in traditional medicine. Several resident witchdoctors, some of whom are from Mali, now use commercial radio stations to popularize their traditional medicine CVs. 


Written by Modou S. Joof


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