By Doh James Sonkey
A bill to regulate traditional medicine in Cameroon has been adopted by the National Assembly. Bill Number 2068/PJL/AN was recently adopted by Members of National Assembly meeting for the 2024 November Ordinary Session of Parliament.
Critics argue that the Lower House of Parliament has taken a significant step towards regulating traditional medicine in the country. The adopted bill aims to establish a legal framework for traditional medicine, with a strong emphasis on combating fake medications.
Public Health Minister, Dr. Manaouda Malachi said the bill is crucial in addressing the issue of counterfeit drugs, which poses a significant threat to public health.
The problem of fake medications is not unique to Cameroon. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 42% of all fake medicine reported between 2013 and 2017 was linked to the African continent. In fact, the WHO estimates that over 150,000 people die each year in Sub-Saharan Africa due to substandard or fake anti-malarial drugs.
Public Health Minister explained to MPs that, ‘‘the bill contains general principles and the different categories of traditional medicine practitioners, conditions for practicing traditional medicine, collaboration between traditional medicine and conventional medicine, sustainable use of traditional pharmacopoeia, control and regulation mechanisms by public authorities, as well as administrative and criminal penalties.
Cameroon has been working to improve its healthcare system, with the first phase of universal health coverage underway. However, challenges persist, and the issue of fake medications remains a significant concern. To address this issue, Cameroon can draw lessons from other African countries. For example, Kenya has established an Anti-Counterfeiting Agency, which works to enlighten and inform the public about counterfeit activity. Similarly, South Africa has a Counterfeit Goods Act, which provides for specific measures against counterfeiting.
By adopting this bill, Cameroon’s National Assembly has demonstrated its commitment to protecting public health. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of fake medications, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and weak regulatory frameworks.