Network on Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine'

1
Network on Medicinal Plants and Traditional
Medicine.

• By Peris Kariuki Kenya Resource Centre for
  Indigenous Knowledge (KENRIK)
• National Museums of Kenya

2
Background

• Over 80 of the rural population use traditional
  medicine as the only form of healthcare
• Medicinal and Aromatic plants threatened by
  unsustainable use.
• The potential of medicinal plants in allevaiting
  poverty through cultivation and commercialization

3
Examples of medicinal plants

• Medicinla plants used in kenya include Prunus
  africana used to treat prostrate cancer and Aloe
  spp cosmetic industry while Artemisia annua
  artemisin cure malaria
• Forms of traditional healing are the herbalists,
  traditional birth attendants, bonesetters,
  dentists and spiritual healers

4
The Network project

• Regional network with leading institutions at a
  National level
• Kenya, National Museums of Kenya
• Uganda, National Chemotherapuetics Reserach
  Laboratory
• Tanzania, Institute of Traditional Medicine
• supported by (IDRC)

5
Objectives

• Overall to promote the conservation and
  sustainable safe and effective use of medicinal
  plants and herbal products as well as the
  integration of traditional medicine in public
  health services through effective collaboration
  among all stakeholders

6

• Baseline survey Institutions, reserachers,
  publications, traditional healers THPs asstn
• Development of collaborative projects between key
  institutions. Project SC TAC
• Capacity building of THPs Asstns
• Help in development of Appropriate policy
• Mass media attitude build support

7
Methodology

• Active participation in initiatives on medicinal
  plants and traditional medicine
• e.g. KWG-MAPs, Traditional Medicine day 31st of
  August
• Consultative meetings
• Video documentary
• Establishment of a SC TAC

8
Expected outputs

• Baseline survey- databases reference
• Raise the profile of TM TM among the citizenry
• Development of approppriate policy
• Improved livelihoods of the rural

9
Conclusion

• Network for human health and environment
  sustainability