NYANZA-The Ministry of Health is set to embark on a process that will see traditional medicine institutionalized.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, made the remarks while closing the training of over 240 traditional healers who completed a one month course in traditional medical practices.

The function, held in Nyanza last week, was organised by the Rwanda Forum for Traditional Medicine Practitioners (AGA).

Ndagijimana, was flanked by the acting World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, at a ceremony which also doubled as the ninth International African Medicine Day.

Ndagijimana, who was guest of honour, hailed the AGA forum for coordinating the activities of traditional healers.

 "The contribution of traditional medicine is profound and has been present through our African history. Let us commit ourselves to the preservation of this heritage by conserving locally available medical plants and lay a solid foundation for the continuation of this heritage,” he said.

Some of the participants came from Uganda and Tanzania. The group joined officials to plant hundreds of medicinal trees in the first botanical medicine farm in Mukingo Sector, Nyanza.

The acting WHO representative, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, noted that the private sector needs to be encouraged to invest in traditional medicine research and training as well as the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants.

One of the traditional medicine practitioners, Mzee Yohani Munyambibi, 82, who has a ten years experience, said that recognition of traditional medicine will promote his career and improve the conception of traditional medicine in communities.

He asked donors and government to focus on promoting individual initiatives so as to promote their innovations and talent. 

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