TRADITIONAL MEDICINES AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

The panel developed a reflection on the relations between the so-called systems of “traditional” healing, ‘western’ medicine and the health policies and interventions of international aid implemented at the different scales. The discussion revolved around the following questions: what are the multiple characters of traditional medicines, which role do they play and how are traditional medicines transforming themselves? What are the tools, practices, strategies of international organizations in the field of traditional medicines? What are the national policies implemented in different countries? What is the role of international aid? What is the possible role of academic research? The projects of development cooperation which aim to improve access to the right to health confront themselves with different concepts of illness, care, health which coexist, conflict and dialogue. How to meet and interact with these dynamics? How to protect traditional knowledge at the different scales, and ensure the recognition of intellectual property rights in the hands of indigenous peoples?