Participants discuss innovative solutions to eradicate treatments using and their derivatives at a workshop in Hanoi on June 8. (Photo: VNS/VNA)Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – More than 60 traditional medicine (TM) doctors,
practitioners, and students discussed innovative solutions to eradicate
treatments using endangered wild animals at a workshop in Hanoi on June 8.
The event was jointly organised by TRAFFIC, a non-governmental organisation
working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in biodiversity
conservation and sustainable development, in partnership with the Vietnam
Oriental Traditional Medicine Association.
The workshop provided participants with knowledge on the link and the impact of
continued use of endangered species on social safety, public health risks, and
conservation of wild species. The event featured a concerted discussion on
feasible, comprehensive, and consistent measures that various actors in the TM
system can apply.
“COVID-19 shines the spotlight on wildlife trade. More than ever, it’s
time to combat the illegal wildlife trade in the linkage with the public health
sector. Disease prevention is far more effective and less costly than disease
control,” said Dr Hoang Thi Hoa Ly, Chief of Office,
Administration, Ministry of Health.
“We favour efforts to stop the unsustainable demand for wildlife species,
particularly for medicinal purposes, as a proactive and preventive means to
future zoonotic spread. It also aligns with the national TM strategy where the
use of TM natural ingredients must not threaten the ecosystem and the
population of wild fauna and flora.”
Participants agreed that the balance with nature is a key point of the TM
sector, and the use of endangered animals for medical purposes is against
nature. The alternative is the wise approach to shaping and sustaining the new
healthcare habits. On the other hand, collapsing wildlife trade and consumption
systems is an integral response to future pathogen spread and zoonoses.
Dr Nguyen Van The, head of the Traditional Medicine Department under the
Ministry of Public Security, called on TM practitioners and society to adopt
scientific, effective, and sustainable health treatment practices.
“The continued use and prescription of various wild species, likely rhino
horn, tiger products and pangolin scale, should be replaced by other available
and even more effective TM ingredients. Vietnam’s traditional medicine is part
of the country, but we should care for both human health and animals. If we
continue using endangered species, it will damage our reputation,” said
The.
TRAFFIC Vietnam Office Director Nguyen Tuyet Trinh said: “TM practitioners
have a huge influence on what patients choose to buy. I believe that most TM
practitioners are willing to change their habits and switch to safe, legal and
sustainable plant-based alternatives. TRAFFIC is committed to helping
accelerate this change by empowering the TM sector in taking concrete
action to cut down the consumption of wild species in health
treatments.”
The workshop is part of the initiative to reduce the use of rhino horn as a
medicinal remedy funded by the WWF Germany. Such efforts are crucial in
sustaining the population of rhinos and other endangered species and the
balance of the ecosystem.
While much of the crime involves the illegal use of rare materials such as
ivory and rhino horn for social display or decorative purposes, another area
that partly drives the illicit global is illegal wildlife
products in traditional medicine.
The 2020 TRAFFIC consumer survey revealed that one out of four TM practitioners
prescribed or recommended rhino horn, pangolin, or tiger products to patients
in the past two years. Promoting wellness and treating illness are key drivers
of use and purchase./.
Source: VietnamPlus
