The Regional Director of the WHO recently spoke on the role of traditional health practitioners in primary health care. The full text of his speech is reprinted below.

Today we are celebrating the 6th African Traditional Medicine Day throughout Africa and reviewing progress on the Decade of African Traditional Medicine. The theme for this year is: “The Role of Traditional

Health Practitioners in Primary Health Care”. This theme is in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Alma-Ata Declaration of September 1978 which advocated health for all and called upon countries to include Traditional Medicine in their health systems in line with the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach.

WHO organised the International Conference on PHC and Health Systems in Africa in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 28th -to 30th April 2008, to celebrate 30 years of the Alma-Ata Declaration and create the momentum for revitalisation of PHC. The Conference reaffirmed the principles of the Declaration of Alma Ata, particularly in regard to health as a fundamental human right and the responsibility that governments have for the health of their people. WHO is also organising a congress on Traditional Medicine to be held in November 2008 in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China. The purpose of the Congress is to review the role of Traditional Medicine and its providers in health care in line with the PHC approach.

Traditional Health Practitioners are an important human resource in the provision of health care services throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They have been increasingly involved in research and development, and encouraging results are being documented for traditional medicines used for some priority diseases such as malaria, sickle-cell disease and diabetes. Their collaboration with practitioners of conventional medicine indicates best practices such as health care delivery, including earlier referral of patients to medical facilities, increased knowledge on sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, including prevention and community based directly-observed treatment short-course programmes in the control of tuberculosis. I would like to congratulate and call upon practitioners of the two systems of medicine who are already collaborating to intensify and co-ordinate their efforts and take action in a synergistic manner in strengthening the capacity of traditional health practitioners in PHC in order to build healthier African communities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to inform you that since the adoption, at the 15th session of the Regional Committee for Africa, of the Regional strategy on promoting the role of traditional medicine in health systems, over half of the countries in this region have formulated traditional medicine policies, developed traditional medicine regulations and established traditional medicine programmes in the ministries of health. The Traditional Health Practitioners Bill and Code of Ethics for the practice of traditional medicine should be part of national regulatory frameworks which are particularly important to protect the dignity, integrity and safety of patients.

I wish to call upon traditional health practitioners and their organisations to support implementation of the Ouagadougou Declaration on PHC by mobilising communities for health promotion and disease prevention. I also call upon them to collaborate with research institutes in order to assess, through rigorous scientific procedures, the quality, safety and efficacy of their products and to facilitate registration and patenting. I reiterate my appeal to governments, the private sector and partners to support scientific research into traditional medicines and practices to produce evidence on their effectiveness in combating disease. The support for documentation and protection of traditional medicine knowledge is also vital for use by future generations and for equitable sharing of resources and benefits.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

WHO shall continue to support countries to transform resolutions and declarations into realistic policies and plans for institutionalising traditional medicine in health systems as part of its commitment to health-for-all using the PHC approach, in collaboration with the African Union, and other committed partners and stakeholders. This collaboration is particularly important for the attainment of the expected outcomes of the plan of action of the Decade of African Traditional Medicine which will end in 2010.

The National Traditional Medicine Programme at the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Association of Traditional Healers of The Gambia, will on the 31st of August celebrate African Traditional Medicine Day.

In a press release send to Health Matters yesterday, the manager of the National Traditional Medicine Programme at DOSH, Bubakar Sillah, stated that theme of this years celebration is  “The Role of Traditional Healers in Primary Healthcare”.

Mr. Sillah stated that the Association  of Tradition  Healers of The Gambia have the honour and pleasure to associate themselves with the President Dr Yaya  Jammeh  in making this a special day in the calendar of traditional medicine, noting that since the association adopted President Jammeh as the father of traditional healers of The Gambia last year, Gambian and Non Gambian healers alike have witnessed tremendous  advancements in the health care delivery system of traditional medicine. He said among the catalogue of his achievements in the realm of healthcare which the healers hail are the construction of an academy of science and technology, discovery of medicines for infertility, prostate cancer, skin cancer and a host of diseases.

He further stated that the recent graduation of Gambian doctors from the school of medicine and the exemption of mothers and infants from the payment of fees in health facilities are a clear demonstration of President Jammeh’s care for the health of Gambian and Non Gambians.

He pointed out that by virtue of the presidents untiring efforts in promoting traditional medicine the healers of The Gambia will once again use the opportunity of the commemoration of the day to reaffirm their allegiance to him as the father  of traditional medicine and pledge their unflinching  support to him in all his endeavours in nation building and the improvement of the wellbeing of humanity.

As part of Gamcotrap’s continued efforts to promote and protect children’s rights, a one day sensitization programme on traditional practices, sexual and reproductive health rights was organized for thirty five Alkalolu and their Chiefs from the kombos. The programme that was organized in partnership with save the children Sweden regional office based in Dakar, Senegal was facilitated through the office of the Governor of the Western region as a strategic entry point to reach the traditional rulers who are the custodian of traditional practices in the Gambia.

During the workshop recently at paradise suite hotel the Paramount Chief, Alhagie Demba Sanyang who is also the head Chief expressed gratitude to be part of this important programme since it is about issues dealing with the health of women and children.

In his keynote speech the Governor of Western region, Mr. Lamin Sanneh noted that it was indeed a great pleasure and honour to be accorded with the privilege to make the opening statement on the auspicious training of local government authorities on traditional practices, sexual and reproductive health and rights. “Children and women are the most important productive element of the economy therefore they deserve the protection of the state and its apparatus, local government authorities and society at large”, he emphasized. Different sessions were dealt, on session one it was about their expectations for the workshop, this session dwelt on capturing the expectations of the Chiefs and Alkalolu. Their expectations were focused on the need to gain more information and knowledge about children’s rights, and issues on female genital mutilation. Some touched on learning the future direction on women and children’s right. Most of them argued that the current debates about children’s rights are not clear to them and they hope that the workshop will give them the opportunity to learn more about the issues and what their role is. This discussion also centered on the importance that Gamcotrap attaches to working with traditional structures especially the Chiefs and the Alkalolu in the pursuit to the realization of its aims and objectives.

Session two was on child rights and principles, this presentation looked at the definition of what rights are and how people perceive the whole issue of children’s rights. The discussion touched on the needs of children and how the fulfillment of these needs relate to basic and indivisible rights of all children. The presentation also looked at the issue of protection as a fundamental aspect of children’s rights. Some of the critical issues raised included protection from harmful traditional practices i.e. FGM and early marriages, other issue highlighted include sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

On the comments, the Chiefs noted that the programme should be further strengthened to reach out to more people; they also acknowledged learning the truth and will offer their full support in the process. On his comment the Kartong Alkali said “the advocacy of Gamcotrap is difficult with challenges but there is hope for success”, he pledged the support of the Alkalolu on any resolution on children’s rights.

On the third session that was about Isam and religion was presented by Imam Baba Leigh and Muhammad Sanuwo, these two religious Scholars, talked about the religious perspective of culture and practices. They touched on the historical perspective of female genital mutilation and the point of contestation surrounding the practices of FGM.

The presentation also highlighted some religious misinterpretations and preaching by some religious Scholars who continue to have access to the media zith their pro FGM

propaganda. They gave a crystal clear religious explanation about male circumcision and female circumcision and concluded that there is no where it is prescribed for women in any divine religious text. After this session it was observed in their comments that the information they receive on the public radio is contrary to what they have heard in the workshop. They noted that the information from the workshop is correct and every citizen should have the right information to make the right choice for their children. They observed that the government should give access to organizations with the right information to promote positive development and enlighten the population using the radio. In the light of these observations the following suggestions were made:

v           Religious leaders should come out and discuss the issues and the truth for people to get the right information.

v           People have to look at those who talk on the media and who mandated them to talk on the Radio as pro FGM campaigners and that should be stopped.

v           They highlighted the need for Gamcotrap to have access to the radio and discuss the issues of concern to the general public and they promised to look into the matter.

On session four: Components of reproductive health.

This session reported on the current situation regarding reproductive health and rights of women and children. It highlighted the increase in sexually transmitted diseases and the number of children affected. Participants were taken through the nine components of reproductive health which highlighted some very common household problems in relation to reproduction and the need to maintain and protect the health of women and children. Some of these include proper family planning procedures and safe motherhood practices to ensure the protection and maintenance of the health of women and children.

On session five: role of community leaders.

This was one of the most powerful sessions which evoked the sensitivities of the traditional decision makers and their role in various communities. For the Chiefs they cover a large jurisdiction in which several village heads exist. They lamented on the effects of lack of knowledge and the misconceptions which have been cleared by attending the workshop. Each of them made comments and the following represents the general ethos towards the fights against FGM and promoting children’s rights.

v           To ensure that a law against FGM is put in place so as to help the Chiefs and Alkalolu effectively engage with the people. This will help the elimination of harmful traditional practices.

v           To also engage and strengthen the capacity of the village development committees, in order to strengthen the advocacy at the community levels.

v           The paramount Chief of the Gambia pronounced joining Gamcotrap and offered to support in the advocacy to eradication of FGM.

v           All Chiefs and Alkalolu present at the workshop agreed to work together and protect the children. “Therefore we need one voice and come together to eradicate the practices.

v           Gamcotrap should conduct similar programme with all the chiefs in the Gambia with their national assembly members in order to make more declarations against harmful traditional practices.

v           The children’s act and the women’s bill should now be reinforced and this should

      be advocated for.

Chief of Kombo Central Dembo Santang Bojang, in giving the vote of thanks commended Gamcotrap for providing knowledge to the community leaders in the midst of ignorance about the practices of FGM. As enlightened leaders they will engage with the people and the women to ensure that the practices stop.

For her part Aja Nyimansata Sanneh Gamcotrap board member also thanked the staff of Gamcotrap and community leaders through the paramount chief and the governor of western region. She noted that the empowerment of women cannot be truly realized without the attainment of good health for Gambian women and children. “Government is aware of the advocacy work to eradicate FGM. As community leaders {Chiefs and Alkalolu} they are aware of the cultural issues in the societies and with their support, the practice can be eradicated”. She urged the leaders to mobilize their communities and spread the knowledge gained.

Thank very much for your kind attention.

Located at Fatou Camara’s compound near the Ebo town market, Alhagie Sidibeh is a specialist in traditional healing and has for many years cured a good number of people.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Point, Mr. Sidibeh noted that he cures eye problems of any kind, blindness, cataracts, yellow fever, impotency, piles, stomach-ache, back ache and frequent urinating among other diseases.

According to Mr. Sidibeh, impotency can be treated in three days and cataracts can be cured in not less ten minutes. Stomach-ache can be treated in one or not more than three days. Piles can be treated in less than one week. Frequent urinating can be treated in a period of one week.

Having engaged in the traditional healing business for a long period now, Mr. Sidibeh is described by many as one of the best traditional healers in the country today whose treatments last for a very short period of time.

For more information about his treatment procedures, Alhagie Sidibeh can be reached on the following numbers: Tel: 9874044, 7741557 or 6415730

(An interview with Serigne Wagne)

Serigne Wagne recently gave us the first part of an interview on herbal and traditional medicine and cures. Serigne has just returned from his travel abroad and is giving us the 2nd and final part of the interview.

Point:Serigne, you are welcome back. How was your travel?

Serign: Alhamdulilah! I’ve gone safely and returned safely. Occasionally I to travel in order to visit sick people who call me, and I usually seize those opportunities to attend ‘Gamo’ or ‘Maggal’ and also visit relatives. I thank Allah for that and look forward to re-connecting with my cherished patients here in The Gambia.

Q. Serigne, you said in your first interview that you can cure most the illnesses in 3 days or 7 days, can you recount these?

A.Yes, with Allah’s blessing, I do cure diabetes, hypertension, sexual impotence and dysfunctioning, goitre, piles, what is called in Wolof ‘sochette’ also ‘ndoh-i-siti’,  ‘coolie’, and gynaecological problems including frequent miscarriage, menstrual difficulties or problems. I cure asthma and lesser problems like dysentery, open sores, toothache, and high fever.

Q. Diabetes is becoming quite rampant in The Gambia, how long does your cure take?

A. It can be cured in 7 days for those who follow the treatment strictly as directed. I always ask new patients to first go to the hospital for a check-up before starting my treatment. That way, people can observe the difference in condition. I just want to say that my medicines for diabetes and hypertension have presently finished, but I will inform everyone when the medicines are available again.

Q. What is the period of cure for the other illnesses?

A. They vary. I cure impotence and dysfunctioning in only three days. I have heard of other traditional healers and herbalists who treat this condition over periods of weeks, or month or months. I want you to believe that I am the only one who treats this in three days only. Also I can cure piles, ulcer, ‘sochette’, goitre, open sores and most gynaelogical problems. I can stop the coughing in tuberculosis n exactly three days provided it is not the TB that goes with coughing out blood.

Q. The other conditions take longer to treat, then?

A. Some of them do. Some of them which manifest various symptoms can take up to one month. These I want to call the mother of many related illnesses. For example ‘ndoh-i-siti’ which is water that circulates the body and causes dryness, excessive hotness going down to the sole or bottom of the feet, can also produce other symptoms or illnesses like hot flushes, peeling skin and pimples, asthma, severe constipation, leprosy, burning sensation on the soles of the feet, and many more. These numerous manifestations are what make it difficult to cure in a short time. ‘Coolie’ also takes a month or more, for the same reason. If diabetes and asthma take up to one month or more, it is only because people generally bring them up when the illness is at an advanced or critical stage, but they should normally take 7 days.

Q. Can I ask you what evidence you have of these cures?

A. Most certainly you can. I should like successful patients to speak for themselves. This is the best way. They can tell their own stories.

Q. How do we go about this?

(At this point Serigne produced a large quire book that contain records of patients and their phone numbers. Names were over one hundred).

A.  I wish to call a few of them at random so that you can hear from them first hand. (At this point Serigne Wagne called a minimum six clients which this reporter chose at random.We heard together some of the most impressive accounts of remarkable cures and recoveries. The patients were keen that we even put their names in any newspaper so that other sick people could call them for testimony of Serigne Wagne’s treatment and their cure, and their great gratitude).

Q.  Well, we thank you for these amazing success stories and making us speak directly to your patients. So we shall provide their contacts as they themselves have requested, for the benefit of other Gambians with similar health problems.

A. That would be good for all. I can call hundred more names, and the story would be the same. All have recovered. Some of them call me to pray for me for what I have done for them. You heard a few of them just now. This makes me feel good and I have only Allah to thank for it.

Q. How much money do you ask; has any patient complained about your work?

A. No complaints , thank goodness. As for money, it is not the important thing; it is the restoration of good health that is important. Nevertheless, patients tend to ask me about price, sometimes right at the beginning.  That is understandable. But what is considered is the nature of the illiness and perhaps the work it entails. So you will understand why it would be difficult to state any fixed or mandatory fee. But I can say that cure and restoration of good health is always foremost in my mind. In fact for some of the lesser illnesses, I cure free of charge or give free directions.

Q. On what do you base your healing methods; God or man?

A. On Allah the Beneficient. I cure with various  herbs and plants, barks of trees and roots, and some of Nature’s hidden riches, for drinking and for external application, both.  Certain prayers are also used.

Q. Finally, you stated in your first interview that all illnesses enter the body from things we eat, or drink, or through body openings. What do you want to advise our readers on protecting the body from these?

A. Yes, illnesses of all kinds enter the body at some stage of our physical development, either when we are grown up, or much earlier at the embryonic or foetal stage when parental illness  can affect the baby in the womb or at breast-feeding period. But all the same I want to advise that we should watch what we eat and drink. Food and drinks should be hygienic in the first place; in the preparatons, the serving, and the storage. If food is not hygienic or prepared in hygienic conditions, the body might pay a price for it. And

Food in particular should be properly cooked especially as to duration, condiments and timing of mixtures. We should chew or masticate our food well. What we drink should not be contaminated or polluted. We should try not to pollute the air we inhale, either through foul smoke, fumes, gaseous substances; also by cleaning our surroundings especially refuse dumps, we avoid inhaling germs or allowing them to invade our food or drinks. In short we should remember to eat healthy, drink healthy, and keep our environment healthy. It would also help to live healthy life-styles. This is basically what I can advise within this limited time and space.

Q. How can you be contacted, if necessary?

A. I can be contacted directly on 9753538 or 7048814, or by e-mail ( sereign2008@yahoo.com)

Q. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

A. It is my happiness, and I shouldn’t forget to thank you also for making this discussion possible.

NOTE: Readers were promised contacts of successful patients who have volunteered to narrate their own sucessess and to give information about their treatment.

Those wishing to have some of these names and contacts may call this Column at 9953010 or 6459901.

The Embassy of the United Sates of America in Banjul yesterday honoured Dr Isatou Touray, Executive Director of Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP), as the Embassy’s Banjul nominee for the 2008 Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage.

The award, given annually, pays tribute to women of courage around the world and holds them up as examples of hope, strength, and compassion.

Speaking at a luncheon honouring Dr. Touray, held at US Ambassador’s residence yesterday, His Excellency Barry Wells, US Ambassador, described women as essential agents in bringing about change. He said that women are an often overlooked resource in the preservation of human security, in overcoming transnational dangers, and in managing threats arising from tyranny, trafficking, poverty and disease.

“Achieving the United States’ mission of advancing democracy, prosperity, and security worldwide is not possible without the empowerment of women. If women cannot participate in the political process, there can be no real democracy,” he said.

According to the United States’ chief diplomat in The Gambia, poverty is more rampant when women lack education and economic opportunity.

“Justice is thwarted when women are denied the right to play a political role in their nations. And in today’s modern world, no country can achieve lasting success, stability and security if half of its population is sitting on the sidelines,” Ambassador Wells noted.

In the view of Ambassador Wells, if women are not educated, they cannot pass knowledge to their children, and there is no true security for the next generation.

Receiving the award, Dr Isatou Touray expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the United States Embassy and the US government for honouring her with such an award.

Dr. Touray highlighted the focus of GAMCOTRAP’s work which, she added, is grounded in grassroots activism, working with communities in trying to understand the issues inimical to their health and well-being.

According to Dr. Touray, the honour gives them the courage and commitment to continue the work they are doing. “The sacrifice is worth it because of the difference it makes in the life of the poor, vulnerable and powerless people we serve.”

Dr Touray used the occasion to dedicate the award to GAMCOTRAP, all its members and the community-based facilitators who, she added, have been engaged in the struggle for promoting women’s and children’s rights. “We are committed in the work we do because there are people who believe in the cause we stand for and who provide the support needed to continue engaging constructively with the communities we serve,” she said.

It would be recalled that in 2007 the United States Embassy nominated Hannah Foster, Executive Director of African Center on Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) for the award.