Parliament says Zimbabwe should allocate funds for research into traditional medicines in 2022 budget

HON. T. MLISWA:  Thank you Madam Speaker, I now know.  I just wanted to know. Your answer is clear enough.  May this be a warning to all Chairpersons; you must be like Hon. Misihairabwi who presents reports herself.

HON CHINHAMO MASANGO:  Thank you Hon. Speaker.

Introduction

2.1 Traditional medicines play a critical role in the health of many in Zimbabwe. As such, it is imperative to ensure that it is recognised through the creation of an enabling environment that promotes its development.  COVID-19 pandemic has taught Zimbabwe to look inward and be self-reliant, not only in terms of local production of conventional medicines and drugs, but to consider development and promotion of traditional and complementary medicines as the generality of citizens made them medicines of choice during the lockdown period. Thus, the Committee resolved to enquire into the development and promotion of traditional and complementary medicines in Zimbabwe.

1.0           Objectives

The objectives of the enquiry were:

2.1 To assess the extent to which the traditional and complementary medicines are being used in the management of COVID-19 virus and other diseases and ailments in Zimbabwe;

2.2  To ascertain the research that is being done to add value to the traditional and complementary  medicines in Zimbabwe;

2.3 To appreciate the constraints and challenges in the development of traditional and complementary medicines in Zimbabwe;

2.4 To appreciate the efforts that the Ministry of Health and Child Care has made to develop a useful working relationship between the conventional and traditional medical practitioners; and

3 To recommend possible solutions for development of traditional and complementary medicines in Zimbabwe.

3.0   Methodology

The Committee held oral evidence meeting with the following witnesses:

1. Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr. Fungai Mudyiradima on 25th January 2021;
2. Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr. Onias Ndoro on 9th March 2021;

iii. Acting Managing Director for the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), Mr. William Wekwete on 9th March 2021;

1. Acting Chairperson of the University of Zimbabwe-Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Chagonda on 9th March 2021;
2. The Registrar of the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC), Ms. Joice Guhwa on 9th March 2021; and
3. The President of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA), Mr. George Kandiero on 9th March 2021.

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