African Traditional Medicine Week shines a spotlight on the vital role of traditional medicine in Africa and the importance of preserving South Africa's rich medicinal plant heritage.
Every year from August 26 to 31, African Traditional Medicine Week draws attention to the role traditional medicine continues to play across the continent.
The week concludes with African Traditional Medicine Day on August 31, which recognises the contribution of traditional medicine to healthcare in Africa and promotes research, quality assurance and the sustainable use of medicinal plants.
For South Africa, the observance is particularly significant. The country is internationally recognised for its exceptional plant diversity, and generations of indigenous knowledge have contributed to one of the richest traditions of medicinal plant use on the continent.
Researchers have recorded approximately 2,062 indigenous plant species used in traditional medicine in South Africa. This represents roughly 10% of the country's indigenous flora, illustrating the remarkable diversity of medicinal plants found within the country.
