OAPI held a seminar on the protection and development of traditional medicine on 5 October 2023.

The seminar focused on the progress made to date regarding the implementation of the reference framework material for the protection of African inventions in the field of medicines, in the OAPI Member States.

The various panellists discussed issues regarding the protection and marketing of traditional medicine in the OAPI Member States. This included highlighting the importance of strengthening access to traditional medicines in national health systems, by marketing their approval and authorisations, once the effectiveness of the medicine has been proven.

Importantly Dr. Aimé DJITAFO, a pharmacist and specialist in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, made mention of the obstacles regarding the implementation of a community reference system and also noted the challenges in respect of the absence of a real drug policy for traditional medicines, in addition to the time and budget constraints encountered by traditional medicine therapists.

The attendees and presenters shared insightful information that prompted meaningful discussion, which contributed to a successful seminar. The seminar highlighted the commitment to the protection of traditional medicine by OAPI.

Source: Acting for the protection and enhancement of traditional medicine (oapi.int)